BENGALURU: Indian space-technology company Pixxel has raised $100 million in fresh funding, giving the Google-backed startup additional resources to expand its satellite constellation and develop its growing Earth-observation business.
Pixxel specialises in hyperspectral imaging, a technology that allows satellites to analyse reflected light across hundreds of wavelengths. This makes it possible to identify subtle changes in vegetation, minerals, water, pollution and other environmental conditions that may be difficult to detect through conventional satellite photography.
The company hopes its technology can be used in fields ranging from agriculture and mining to climate monitoring, environmental protection and disaster management. By providing more detailed information about conditions on the Earth’s surface, hyperspectral satellites could allow governments and businesses to identify problems earlier and make more precise decisions.
The investment also reflects the rapid growth of India’s private space industry. Regulatory changes introduced in recent years have opened areas once dominated by state agencies to commercial companies, encouraging startups to develop satellites, launch technology and space-based services. Pixxel has emerged as one of the most prominent companies in that new generation of Indian space ventures.