Pixxel, a space technology startup startup from Bengaluru, has recently inaugurated its spacecraft manufacturing facility, “MegaPixxel.” The 30,000 square feet facility has been honored with the presence of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath.
Pixxel, the space-tech company, is focused on constructing the constellation of hyperspectral earth imaging satellites paired with analytical tools for extracting invaluable insights. With a mission to deliver global coverage every 24 hours, Pixxel’s aims to detect, monitor, and predict global phenomena, of the Earth observation.
Including a diverse team, Pixxel also has a history of achievements, ranging from crafting India’s inaugural Hyperloop pod to spearheading the development of satellites, missiles, lunar landers, and rovers. Comprising engineers, researchers, designers, project managers, and sales professionals, the Pixxel team has been pushing the boundaries of human exploration.
The MegaPixxel facility, designed to be a complete hub for satellite manufacturing services, spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT), stands as an evidence of Pixxel’s vision to advancing space technology.
At full operational capacity, the facility is set to manufacture over 20 satellites concurrently, promising an impressive turnaround time of just six months for each. With an annual capacity of 40 large satellites, Pixxel aims to cater to the demands of diverse industries.
Pixxel’s CEO, Awais Ahmed, had provided insights about the facility’s capabilities, mentioning that by enhancing their capacity to manufacture more satellites, they aim to provide critical data to their customers more rapidly.
He emphasized the importance of enabling customers to make informed decisions and address the needs of key industries such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring.
One of the standout features of the MegaPixxel facility is its entire approach, having the entire satellite development process. Pixxel intends to design its hyperspectral satellites from scratch within the facility, undertaking manufacturing, integration, and testing for launch conditions under a single roof. This capability is expected to smoothen operations and enhance Pixxel’s agility in meeting the evolving demands of the space industry.
To ensure precision and quality during the satellite assembly and integration process, the facility has two modern clean rooms conforming to ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 standards. These clean rooms safeguard against contaminants that could compromise satellite functionality, a critical aspect of Pixxel’s devotion to delivering reliable and efficient space solutions.
Moreover, the MegaPixxel facility includes specialized labs for advanced camera integration, electronics research and development (R&D), and electrical assembly. The infrastructure also has a mechanical workshop, a mission control room, and office space capable of accommodating more than 200 employees, reflecting Pixxel’s dedication to encourage innovation and collaboration.
In alignment with global sustainability goals, Pixxel’s facility combines environmentally conscious practices. A wastewater treatment plant has been set up to conserve water and reduce dependency, while smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems contribute to enhanced energy efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.
