Three Indian start-ups to launch satellites on SpaceX's rocket
What's the story
Three Indian space start-ups—Digantara, Pixxel, and XDLINX Spacelabs—will launch satellites on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. The launch is scheduled for January 15 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Digantara will deploy its first-ever space surveillance satellite SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), while Pixxel will send three hyperspectral imaging satellites for its Firefly constellation. XDLINX Spacelabs will launch the ELEVATION-1 tech demonstrator satellite.
Satellite launch
Digantara's SCOT set to revolutionize space traffic management
Digantara's SCOT, one of the world's first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites, will be capable of tracking objects as small as 5cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The satellite, which is highly innovative, will revolutionize space traffic management with its advanced monitoring capabilities. "With SCOT, we are taking a crucial step in achieving surveillance superiority," said Digantara CEO Anirudh Sharma.
Technological leap
Pixxel's Firefly constellation to enhance Earth observation
Pixxel will deploy the first three satellites of its ambitious Firefly constellation on the same launch vehicle. These hyperspectral imaging satellites promise six times sharper resolution than the current 30-meter industry standard, marking a major advancement in Earth observation capabilities. The Firefly constellation will operate from a 550km sun-synchronous orbit and will provide unprecedented insights for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to resource management.
Communication breakthrough
XDLINX Spacelabs's ELEVATION-1 to push boundaries of satellite communications
The ELEVATION-1 technology demonstrator satellite will be launched by Hyderabad-based start-up XDLINX Spacelabs. The entire mission was conceptualized, designed, tested, and built at XDLINX Spacelabs in just eight months. "The ELEVATION-1 mission will redefine what's possible in satellite communications," said Syed Ahmed, payload scientist at XDLINX.