PSLV to Launch Pixxel’s Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite Anand on November 26
Pixxel, a space tech firm, will launch its third hyperspectral satellite, Anand, on Saturday from Sriharikota using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Anand is a hyperspectral microsatellite that weighs less than 15 kg and has more than 150 wavelengths, allowing it to take more detailed pictures of the earth than the current non-hyperspectral satellites, which only have 10 or fewer wavelengths (PSLV).
According to a statement released by Pixxel on Monday, satellite imagery can be used to map forest fires, identify soil stress, and detect pest infestations among other things.
Awais Ahmed, the founder and CEO of Pixxel, said on Twitter that the company is finally launching this week after more than 18 months of delay, numerous retests, and more than two years of sweat and hard work by the team.
Pixxel, an organisation founded by Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, launched Shakuntala, the first commercial satellite ever launched by an Indian business, in April utilising Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket.
According to the company, Pixxel’s hyperspectral satellites are exceptional in that they can deliver hundreds of bands of information with global coverage at a very high frequency, making them perfect for applications like disaster relief, agricultural monitoring, energy monitoring, and urban planning.
Compared to other conventional satellites in orbit, the satellites are equipped to transmit up to 50 times more information with exceptional detail.
Hyperspectral datasets will be used by Pixxel in partnerships with Rio Tinto and Data Farming to locate mineral resources, monitor agricultural activity, and diagnose crop problems, respectively.
The team will be able to improve the form factor and imaging capabilities of the upcoming batch of commercial-grade satellites with the help of the imagery from this. With this launch, Pixxel takes another step toward realising its goal of creating a constellation of cutting-edge hyperspectral tiny satellites that will serve as a global health monitor.
Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Jordan Noone of Relativity, Seraphim Capital, Ryan Johnson, Accenture, and other investors support Pixxel.
