• ISRO will launch three new satellites—NVS-03, NVS-04, and NVS-05—by 2026 to restore full functionality to India’s regional navigation system, NavIC.

• Only four of the original IRNSS satellites remain operational, prompting efforts to reduce reliance on foreign systems and strengthen national navigation infrastructure.

• India and the U.S. will launch the jointly developed NISAR Earth observation satellite on July 30, offering open-access data for climate, agriculture, and disaster management worldwide.

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PRESS RELEASE — India is taking steps to strengthen its satellite infrastructure on two fronts: expanding its indigenous navigation satellite system and launching a major Earth observation mission in collaboration with the United States.

According to a recent post from Indian Express, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch three additional satellites for its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by 2026. The first of these, NVS-03, is slated for launch by the end of this year, with NVS-04 and NVS-05 to follow at six-month intervals. The announcement was made in a written response to Parliament by Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh.

IRNSS, also known operationally as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), was originally envisioned as a seven-satellite constellation providing navigation coverage over India and a 1,500 km radius around it. While 11 satellites have been launched to date, only four are currently operational. Two satellites failed to reach their intended orbits, and one, NVS-02, launched in January during ISRO’s 100th mission, suffered a technical malfunction during orbit-raising and could not be placed in its designated slot.

The new batch of satellites will help restore full functionality to the NavIC system, which provides regional positioning services similar to GPS and Galileo but tailored for Indian strategic and civilian use. The move comes amid broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign navigation systems and enhance resilience for national security, transportation, and disaster response.

Meanwhile, India is also preparing for the upcoming launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, scheduled for July 30 at 17:40 IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. As reported by DD News, this joint initiative between NASA and ISRO is a milestone in international Earth observation cooperation and space technology transfer.

NISAR is the first Earth observation satellite co-developed by the two agencies, with a combined investment exceeding $1.5 billion. The 2,392-kg satellite will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket—the first time India’s GSLV has been used for this orbital configuration. The satellite’s payload includes dual-frequency synthetic aperture radars: an L-band SAR supplied by NASA and an S-band SAR developed by ISRO, mounted on a 12-meter deployable antenna.

The mission will provide global revisit data every 12 days, enabling frequent observation of Earth’s land and ice surfaces. With an open-data policy, NISAR will make its data publicly available within 24 to 48 hours, and in near-real time during emergencies. This capability is expected to support applications in climate monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management across both developed and developing countries.

Describing the launch as a “defining moment in India-US space cooperation,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the broader impact of the mission. “NISAR will not only serve India and the United States but will also provide critical data for countries around the world,” he stated. The initiative is seen as a tangible example of India’s growing participation in global science efforts and its evolving role as a technology partner to the international community.

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• India’s PSLV-C61 mission failed to deploy its payload after a third-stage malfunction halted the launch of the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported a drop in chamber pressure in the rocket’s third stage following a successful lift-off and first two stages, marking only the third failure in PSLV’s operational history since 1993.
• Despite the setback, a new study underscores the strategic role of India’s space sector in national economic development, projecting a fivefold growth in the space economy over the next decade.

India’s latest satellite mission suffered a setback early Sunday when the third stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) malfunctioned, preventing the deployment of the Earth observation satellite EOS-09. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the anomaly after a smooth lift-off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The PSLV, a four-stage launch vehicle, performed as expected through its first two stages, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said after the attempt. However, ISRO Chairman reported a drop in chamber pressure in the solid-fuel third stage, disrupting the rocket’s trajectory and halting the mission. EOS-09, a 1,696-kilogram satellite equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload, was designed for high-resolution imaging under all weather conditions, including at night.

“The PSLV is a four stage vehicle. Up to the second stage, the performance was quite normal,” Narayanan explained in a televised statement. “Third stage, motor started perfectly, but during the functioning of the third stage, we are seeing a observation, and the mission could not be accomplished. After analysis, we shall come back.”

The failure marked only the third instance of a PSLV malfunction since its debut in 1993, underscoring the rocket’s otherwise consistent track record, The Economic Times reported. The PSLV-C61 mission, India’s 101st space mission, was the vehicle’s 63rd flight and the 27th using the extended XL configuration. A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) will now investigate the malfunction, according to the . The panel will include senior ISRO engineers and external experts and is expected to examine flight data, launch preparations, and subsystem performance.

ISRO is expected to release a detailed technical assessment following the FAC’s review.

India’s space sector is emerging as a quiet force behind the country’s economic transformation, according to a new study by researchers from Trivandrum, Ahmedabad University, NIAS, and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology. The report finds that beyond satellite launches, the industry is creating jobs, driving innovation, and expanding digital access to underserved regions. Using more than a decade of data and a structured impact framework, the researchers estimate the sector directly employs around 22,000 people and generates over ₹2,940 crore ($354 million) annually through ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL. If current growth trends hold, the study projects India’s space economy could expand fivefold over the next decade.

• India’s space economy is expanding beyond satellite launches to drive job creation, innovation and digital access, with potential to grow fivefold over the next decade, according to a May 2025 study.
• The sector employs around 22,000 people across ISRO, public-private enterprises, and startups, with private space companies increasing from 11 in 2019 to over 400 in 2024.
• Space applications now account for 75% of the sector’s value, supporting services in agriculture, disaster management, rural connectivity, and climate monitoring.

India’s space sector is doing more than launching satellites — it’s quietly reshaping the national economy, creating jobs, driving innovation and expanding digital services to underserved regions, according to a new study. And if current trends continue, the country’s space economy could grow fivefold in the next decade, added the research team, which included Sunil Mani, Trivandrum and Ahmedabad University; V.K. Dadhwal,
National Institute of Advanced Studies and C.S. Shaijumon, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.

The paper offers a detailed assessment of India’s space economy. Drawing on over a decade of data and applying a structured impact framework, the authors estimate that India’s space sector now directly employs approximately 22,000 people and generates revenues exceeding ₹2940 crore ($354 million) annually, based on figures from NSIL, ISRO’s commercial arm. The findings, reported in an in-press edition of Space Policy, show that space activities — once confined to launch pads and labs — now influence agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, and rural development across the country.

A Multi-Layered Sector With Broad Economic Reach

The study defines India’s space economy in three segments: space manufacturing, operations and applications.

• Manufacturing includes the production of launch vehicles and satellite components.
• Operations cover launch services and ground control.
• Applications span services like satellite communications, remote sensing and navigation.

Space applications account for the largest share, comprising nearly 75% of the total space economy. This includes everything from Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television to satellite-based weather forecasting and rural connectivity. These technologies now support large-scale programs in agriculture, education, urban planning and natural resource management.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) remains the central player in the ecosystem, the researchers report. But the study finds that private sector involvement is accelerating, supported by policy changes like the Indian Space Policy 2023 and the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). These reforms have opened the door for non-governmental entities to participate in space activities, from satellite manufacturing to data services.

Job Growth Shifts from Government to Private Sector

Employment patterns underscore this shift. While ISRO’s workforce has declined slightly — dropping by about 1.2% annually since 2012 — the share of scientific staff has grown, and new job creation is now concentrated in startups and private firms. The number of private space companies jumped from just 11 in 2019 to over 400 by 2024, including 229 active startups, according to the study, and the average space startup employs around 11 people.

Privatization is a national and international trend, the researchers point out.

“This trend reflects a broader governmental policy shift towards the privatization of the space sector,” the researchers write. “The reduction in public sector employment in the space industry is part of a global trend where governments are increasingly relying on the private sector to drive innovation and efficiency. For instance, the U.S. private space workforce grew by 4.8 % in 2023, indicating a robust expansion in commercial space activities, particularly in launch-related hiring.”

The sector’s job creation extends beyond engineering and rocket science. Remote sensing data supports government programs in forestry, urban planning, groundwater management, and even rural land titling through schemes like Gati Shakti and SVAMITVA. The result is a growing demand for geospatial analysts, software developers, and digital services providers.

The study estimates that employment in public and private enterprises linked to ISRO totals over 3,000 people, with an additional 2,500 jobs found in space startups. Jobs are also being created in educational programs aligned with space sciences, with over 100 universities now offering degrees in geoinformatics, remote sensing, or aerospace engineering.

Revenue on the Rise, but Budget Fluctuations Persist

India’s space economy generated new revenue streams across commercial launches, satellite services and exports, according to the study. ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), reported ₹2940 crore in revenue in 2022–23. The sector has experienced an average annual revenue growth of 24% over the past several years, despite budget volatility.

The study notes that ISRO’s budget saw a significant drop in 2020–21 — falling by 27% in real terms — and again in 2022–23. Still, India’s space economy was valued at approximately ₹38,700 crore in 2020–21, representing 0.2% of national GDP. That translates to roughly 1.11% of the global space economy, which was estimated at $447 billion.

Recent policy developments aim to reverse the trend of budget contraction. The 2024–25 Union Budget includes a ₹1000 crore venture capital fund to support private space enterprises, with the explicit goal of expanding the space economy fivefold over the next 10 years.

Efficiency and Social Inclusion: The Hidden Value

The study highlights how space technologies are creating efficiencies across a range of industries, as well as driving some hidden benefits. Satellite imagery has enabled precision farming, better logistics and more accurate weather forecasting, helping farmers avoid crop losses and improving fleet management for transportation companies.

The impact on social inclusion may be one of those hidden benefits. Satellite communications have expanded tele-education, telemedicine, and mobile banking services in rural areas. The Bhuvan geoportal, developed by ISRO, supports disaster response, forest monitoring, and even the tracking of rural infrastructure built under India’s national employment guarantee scheme.

Meanwhile, NavIC, India’s regional satellite navigation system, is being integrated into drones, maritime navigation, Aadhaar enrollment systems, and fleet tracking services. Both platforms are seen as key to bridging digital and development divides between urban and rural India.

The ripple effects of India’s space investments are being felt in fields far from launchpads. ISRO has transferred over 535 technologies to around 235 industries, including materials used in consumer products, medical devices, and water purification systems.

Environmental monitoring also benefits from satellite data. Applications include forest cover mapping, groundwater tracking, and urban heat assessment. Space-based tools now support India’s efforts in climate adaptation and sustainability, contributing to national goals in resource management and disaster resilience.

The study points to the growing role of space-derived data in eco-innovation — such as using satellite inputs for solar and wind energy assessments — and notes that these capabilities may help India meet its renewable energy targets more efficiently.

Methods and Framework

The researchers adopt an analytical model that segments the space economy’s impacts into six categories: job creation, new revenue, efficiency, cost avoidance, social inclusion and environmental outcomes. This framework is adapted from OECD and UK Space Agency methodologies and aligns with global best practices for measuring the spillover effects of high-tech industries.

Data sources include ISRO annual reports, government budget documents, industry surveys, and startup funding data compiled from Indian and international sources. The study also integrates information from sector-specific schemes in infrastructure, digital services, and rural development.

Limitations and Need for Better Data

The study offers a comprehensive view of India’s space economy, however the authors acknowledge the need for better data quality and sector granularity. Much of the current employment and revenue estimation relies on proportional allocation and indirect indicators. The lack of satellite accounts dedicated to space-related output means many impacts are likely undercounted.

There is also limited visibility into indirect employment effects and the long-term returns on investment. For example, while geospatial services and DTH broadcasting clearly benefit from ISRO’s satellite infrastructure, the economic ripple effects in sectors like e-commerce or fintech remain poorly measured.

Future Directions and Policy Recommendations

The authors call for expanded data collection and improved metrics to track the space sector’s growth. They recommend the creation of formal economic models and satellite accounts to measure direct, indirect, and induced effects. They also suggest more robust benchmarking against global peers and caution against over-reliance on descriptive or promotional assessments.

To sustain growth, the study emphasizes the need for an enabling policy environment that nurtures public-private partnerships, lowers barriers for startups, and ensures consistent funding. Government support, while still central, should focus on regulatory facilitation and demand aggregation, allowing private firms to scale technologies developed with public investment.

The researchers suggest that India’s space economy is not only a source of national pride — it’s an emerging pillar of economic resilience, innovation and inclusive growth. With the right policies and data infrastructure, the country could solidify its position as a competitive, cost-effective and socially impactful space power.

The team writes: “The paper concludes that India’s space economy, while currently modest in scale, has a disproportionately large developmental impact. As public and private investments grow, these impacts are expected to deepen and diversify, reinforcing the strategic and economic relevance of space as a driver of India’s inclusive growth and technological progress.”

Space Insider Market Intelligence Platform provides a continuously updated analysis of this rapidly evolving sector. Read about our latest Indian Space Tech Market Map here.

• Axiom Space has initiated talks with India’s space agency, ISRO, and private Indian launch companies to explore future launch collaborations.
• These discussions, though preliminary, may lead to Axiom utilizing Indian rockets to transport materials for its space station as it develops.
• With a recent influx of government support—marked by a 10 billion rupee ($120 million) venture fund to bolster space start-ups—India has signalled its readiness for private sector involvement.

Axiom Space, the American start-up working to build a private space station, has reportedly initiated talks with India’s space agency, ISRO, and private Indian launch companies to explore future launch collaborations. Pearly Pandya, Director of Axiom’s International Government Business, recently highlighted this strategy as part of Axiom’s plan to diversify its supply chain. These discussions, though preliminary, may lead to Axiom utilizing Indian rockets to transport materials for its space station as it develops.

India’s expanding private space sector offers compelling opportunities for Axiom and other international companies. With a recent influx of government support—marked by a 10 billion rupee ($120 million) venture fund to bolster space start-ups—India has signalled its readiness for private sector involvement. ISRO recently concluded the development of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), aimed at supporting private players and carrying up to 300 kilograms into low Earth orbit. Two leading Indian companies, Skyroot and Agnikul, have emerged as pioneers in private rocket development, creating additional pathways for Axiom to consider.

Axiom’s engagement with India follows a Space Flight Agreement between the United States and India signed in August. This agreement facilitates joint missions and collaborative efforts with Axiom’s future ISS missions. These partnerships reflect the growing synergy between national agencies and private space players, especially as Axiom’s private space station is positioned to replace the ISS after its anticipated decommissioning around 2030.

The broader commercial space sector in India has shown promising growth. Indian space companies attracted $126 million in funding in 2023—a 7% increase over the previous year and a remarkable 235% surge from 2021, according to Tracxn data. However, India still holds a modest 2% of the global commercial space market, largely relying on international clients while facing stiff competition from space powerhouses like the U.S., Russia, and China.

Image credit: Skyroot

• NASA’s radar antenna reflector for the NISAR satellite, a key part of a joint mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation, is almost ready.
• The drum-shaped reflector is about 39 feet (12 meters) across and will help the NISAR satellite send and receive microwave signals from Earth’s surface. NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, gathering important science data.
• After testing, NASA will move the reflector to an ISRO facility in Bengaluru, India. There, teams from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and ISRO will reintegrate it with the radar system.

According to a recent blog post, NASA’s radar antenna reflector for the NISAR satellite, a key part of a joint mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation, is almost ready and is being tested in California.

The drum-shaped reflector is about 39 feet (12 meters) across and will help the NISAR satellite send and receive microwave signals from Earth’s surface. NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, gathering important science data.

In March, the reflector returned from India to a special facility in California. Reflective tape was applied, and other measures were taken to manage temperature changes that could affect the reflector’s deployment.

After testing, NASA will move the reflector to an ISRO facility in Bengaluru, India. There, teams from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and ISRO will reintegrate it with the radar system. During this time, ISRO and NASA will set a launch readiness date.

The NISAR launch window from early October 2024 to early February 2025 is no longer possible. During this time, alternating sunlight and shadows could cause temperature changes that might impact the deployment of the boom and radar antenna reflector.

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Shifting Role of National Space Agencies

Initially, space agencies were the primary stakeholders, driving national space ambitions and conducting most space missions independently. This period was marked by intense competition between superpowers, exemplified by the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, as the space industry progressed, characterized by international cooperation and projects like the International Space Station (ISS), the role of space agencies began to shift.

Today, in the New Space era, space agencies are no longer the sole actors but have become vital enablers and supporters of a growing commercial space sector. They now play a significant part in fostering public-private partnerships, providing regulatory frameworks, and supporting private companies through infrastructure, funding, and expertise. This shift has democratized space exploration, allowing corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises to innovate and contribute to the space industry.

Both emerging and established national space agencies advance their country’s technological capabilities while contributing to international collaborations and the commercialization of space.

The Space Impulse Market Intelligence Platform has captured the active space agencies worldwide. Read on for details on some of the newly emerged and better-established national space agencies.

Recently Emerged National Space Agencies

Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA)

• Established: 2024
• Location: Sacheon
• Region: APAC

During the recent launch of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a $72.6 billion investment in the nation’s space endeavours. This includes plans to achieve a Mars landing by 2045. The nation’s current priorities are to enhance its capabilities in satellite technology, space exploration, and defense.

South Korea’s ambitious space agenda includes at least three more space launches by 2027 and the intention to launch military satellites. To enable its strategy, the agency will work closely with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Korean Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), funded by the South Korean government.

Saudi Space Agency (SSA)

• Established: 2018 (elevated to agency level in 2023)
• Location: Riyadh
• Region: EMEA

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) aims to advance Saudi Arabia’s space capabilities, focusing on satellite development, space research, and international collaboration.

The agency operates under the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), which includes the Space and Aeronautics Research Institute (SARI). The SSA’s goals include fostering a robust space industry within Saudi Arabia, promoting scientific research, and enhancing national security through space technology. The agency’s establishment is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance global engagement and quality of life, as announced at the 2024 World Economic Forum.

Spanish Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Española, AEE)

• Established: 2023
• Location: Madrid
• Region: EMEA

In 2021, Spain announced the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), which became operational in April 2023. Before establishing the AEE, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), a public research organization under the Ministry of Defense founded in 1942, primarily managed Spain’s space activities.

The AEE aims to consolidate Spain’s space efforts, focusing on satellite technology, space exploration, and international cooperation. The agency also oversees the Space Command (Mando del Espacio, MESPA), established in January 2024, and collaborates with regional entities like the Catalan Space Agency and the Valencian Space Consortium.

Established Space Agencies

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• Established: 1958
• Location: Washinton, DC
• Region: Americas

NASA is responsible for the USA’s civilian space exploration, aeronautics research, and scientific discovery. As the most accomplished space program in the world, NASA’s key missions include the Apollo moon landings, the Mars Rover missions, and the Hubble Space Telescope. The agency has significant partnerships with commercial entities like SpaceX and Boeing and is heavily involved in fostering the development of the global commercial space sector. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

European Space Agency (ESA)

• Established: 1975
• Location: Paris
• Region: EMEA

The European Space Agency (ESA) represents 22 member states. The agency’s priorities include Earth observation, planetary exploration, and human spaceflight. Notable missions include the Rosetta comet mission, the Mars Express, and the Galileo satellite navigation system. ESA collaborates extensively with NASA, Roscosmos, and other international space agencies, contributing to various scientific missions, including many on the International Space Station (ISS).

China National Space Administration (CNSA)

• Established: 1993
• Location: Beijing
• Region: APAC

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) oversees China’s space activities, including satellite launches, lunar exploration, and human spaceflight. CNSA’s milestone achievements include the Chang’e lunar missions, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, and the construction of the Tiangong space station. CNSA collaborates with international partners and has ambitious plans for lunar and Mars exploration.

Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)

• Established: 1992 (restructured in 2015)
• Location: Moscow
• Region: EMEA

Roscosmos is responsible for Russia’s space activities. The agency’s notable achievements include the Soyuz program, the Mir space station, and contributions to the ISS. Roscosmos collaborates with NASA, ESA, and other international partners, focusing on human spaceflight, satellite technology, and planetary exploration.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

• Established: 2003
• Location: Tokyo
• Region: APAC

JAXA was established from the merging of three separate organizations – the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) and the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL). JAXA’s key missions include the Hayabusa asteroid missions, the Kibo module on the ISS, and the Akatsuki Venus probe. The agency collaborates with NASA, ESA, and other international partners, focusing on space exploration, satellite technology, and scientific research.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• Established: 1969
• Location: Bengaluru
• Region: APAC

ISRO is India’s national space agency, known for its cost-effective space missions. ISRO’s notable achievements include the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), the Chandrayaan lunar missions, and the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). ISRO collaborates with international space agencies and commercial entities, focusing on satellite technology, space exploration, and applications for societal benefits.

The establishment of new national space agencies like KASA and SSA shows a growing global interest in space exploration and technology. These agencies are setting ambitious goals, from developing indigenous satellite systems to participating in international space missions. Meanwhile, established agencies like NASA, ESA, and CNSA continue to lead the way with groundbreaking missions and robust international partnerships.

The interplay between new and established space agencies fosters a dynamic environment of innovation, collaboration, and competition. As countries invest in their space capabilities, the future of space exploration promises to be more inclusive and technologically advanced, offering unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery and commercial ventures.

• Pixxel plans to launch six satellites in 2024 using rockets from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX.
• Earlier this year, Pixxel opened MegaPixxel, a 30,000-square-foot facility in Bangalore with production capacity for up to 40 large satellites annually.
• MegaPixxel will handle all stages of satellite development, from concept to launch for a future constellation that will support a variety of industries.

Pixxel, a space tech startup based in Bengaluru, reportedly plans to launch six satellites in 2024 using rockets from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX. Pixxel CEO Awais Ahmed announced this strategy, highlighting the use of SpaceX’s rideshare missions and ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The choice of launcher will depend on the readiness of the satellites and the availability of launch windows. Ahmed stated, “We are likely to have launches on both SpaceX and PSLV. However, this will depend on our satellite readiness and the launch schedules.”

Earlier this year, Pixxel opened a 30,000-square-foot facility in Bangalore, named MegaPixxel. At the inauguration, the company revealed plans to launch six hyperspectral imagery satellites. These satellites will form part of a larger constellation aimed at supporting industries such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring. MegaPixxel will handle all stages of satellite development, from concept to launch.

MegaPixxel’s production capacity allows for up to 40 large satellites per year. Currently, Pixxel is working on nine satellites and plans to add more in the latter half of the year and into the next. Ahmed explained that SpaceX’s Transporter missions, which carry multiple small satellites, typically run on schedule but can face delays. Conversely, ISRO’s PSLV missions depend on the readiness of the primary satellite, which can cause postponements if the main payload is delayed. “If the primary satellite gets delayed, the entire launch has to be postponed. But if the SpaceX mission is ready earlier, we might go with that,” Ahmed noted.

Pixxel has already launched three satellites, including its Shakuntala (Technology Demonstrator-2) satellite in 2022 using SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. The company’s latest launch occurred in November 2022.

Pixxel’s dual-launch strategy with ISRO and SpaceX aims to ensure timely deployments of their satellites, reinforcing their commitment to providing advanced hyperspectral imaging for a variety of critical applications.

Image credit: Pixxel