Earth observation – Interplanetary.tv

Pixxel: Mapping Earth Invisible Spectrum with Hyperspectral Satellites

Pixxel, an Indian company pioneering hyperspectral imaging from space, has successfully launched three satellites from its Firefly constellation aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The company captures hyperspectral data, breaking it into hundreds of narrow light bands, unlocking detail invisible to the naked eye. This enables unprecedented analysis of soil quality, crop stress, water pollution, gas leaks, and even mineral composition from orbit. Pixxel’s platform, Aurora, turns raw data into ready-to-use insights using AI and machine learning. The company has raised nearly $95 million from investors including Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Google, and Accenture. Pixxel’s mission statement, “Making the invisible visible,” echoes their long-term ambition to offer planetary-scale intelligence at unprecedented spectral fidelity. With further launches planned through 2026, Pixxel aims to scale to 24 hyperspectral satellites, providing hourly global coverage.

Eon Space Labs: Building Eyes in the Sky for India

Eon Space Labs, a Hyderabad-based aerospace startup, is revolutionizing the world from above by developing indigenous imaging systems for satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms. The company focuses on satellites carrying high-performance optical payloads, which deliver sharp, high-resolution images for various applications. Eon has achieved key milestones such as developing the first prototype of a high-resolution satellite payload, securing partnerships with drone manufacturers, and delivering operational payloads for LEO satellite missions and commercial drones.

Private Space News (16-20 June)

Landspace, a Chinese private rocket company, has successfully launched six satellites for Spacety, a commercial satellite operator known for Earth observation data. The launch of the methane-fueled Zhuque-2E rocket demonstrates China’s growing maturity in the private launch vehicle industry and its ability to serve commercial satellite customers. The “Three-Body Computing Constellation” project aims to deploy up to 2,800 satellites, positioning China as a global leader in space-based AI computing infrastructure. China’s commercial space sector is experiencing a record surge in funding and dealmaking, with rocket manufacturers like Landspace, Space Pioneer, Galactic Energy, and Deep Blue Aerospace securing hundreds of millions of dollars in recent funding rounds. Russia’s space private sector, space tech startups, and the Skolkovo Innovation Center ecosystem are focusing on companies like Dauria Aerospace, Sputnix, Spectralaser, New Energy Technologies, Azmerit, Lin Industrial, Bureau 1440, Future Lab, and Integral Robotics. The US private space startup ecosystem is robust and innovative, with key innovation areas including reusable launch vehicles, satellite servicing, space situational awareness, Earth observation, space-based manufacturing, and satellite internet.

Inspiring The Next Generation of Indian Explorers (Space People)

Indian Air Force test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, born in Lucknow in 1985, was selected as a Gaganyaan astronaut and pilot of Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4, marking India’s space resurgence after a 41-year hiatus. Shukla graduated from NDA with a BSc in Computer Science and an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering. He is married to Dr. Kamna Shubha Shukla, a dentist. She has known Shubhanshu since having been classmates since primary school, maintaining a close friendship that developed into marriage. The couple has a son together. His journey underlines India’s new phase in space ambitions.

Private Space News (9-13 June)

The major private companies offering space tourism services in 2025 include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic. SpaceX leads in orbital space tourism with its Starship program, offering multi-day missions and lunar flybys. Blue Origin specializes in suborbital tourism with its New Shepard vehicle, providing automated flights with large windows for Earth viewing. Virgin Galactic operates suborbital flights using SpaceShipTwo and is developing “Delta-class” spaceplanes for enhanced experiences. Over 10 companies are entering the market, with suborbital tourism dominating and orbital demand expected to rise by 2030.