Pixxel, a pioneering company in hyperspectral imaging and Earth observation, has announced its selection as a key participant in NASA’s prestigious $476 million Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program On-Ramp1 Multiple Award contract.
This significant contract, running through November 2028, highlights Pixxel’s growing influence in the space industry.
As the youngest company among an elite group of global Earth observation leaders, Pixxel’s inclusion underscores its vital role in advancing space-based environmental monitoring.
The company will provide NASA, alongside its U.S. government and academic partners, with advanced hyperspectral Earth observation data.
This data is crucial for enhancing the administration’s Earth science research and application efforts, offering insights into critical areas such as climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management.
Awais Ahmed, Co-founder and CEO of Pixxel, expressed his enthusiasm: “Being selected for this NASA contract is a monumental achievement for Pixxel and further validates that hyperspectral imaging will be integral to the future of space-based Earth observation. We are deeply honored to support NASA’s Earth Observation initiatives and demonstrate the transformative potential of Pixxel’s hyperspectral technology in addressing critical environmental challenges.”
Pixxel is poised to elevate its contributions with the forthcoming launch of its Fireflies satellites.
These 5-meter resolution hyperspectral satellites will represent the highest-resolution hyperspectral technology ever deployed, capturing data across 250+ spectral bands with a 40 km swath width and a 24-hour revisit frequency globally.
This advancement promises unprecedented detail and coverage for Earth observation.
Chief Commercial Officer Aakash Parekh emphasized the contract’s significance: “This contract represents a major step forward in leveraging commercial hyperspectral data to bolster Earth science research and environmental monitoring. We are proud to foster further collaboration on hyperspectral data applications within the scientific community, and we look forward to working with NASA to advance its mission with this cutting-edge earth monitoring modality.”
In addition to the upcoming satellite launches, Pixxel plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites, broadening the availability and accessibility of hyperspectral data.
This expansion aims to provide real-time, actionable insights to stakeholders across various industries and governments, enhancing natural resource management and environmental resilience.
NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program On-Ramp1 Multiple Award contract, valued at up to $476 million, represents a strategic initiative to acquire Earth observation data and related services.
The selected companies, including Pixxel, will support NASA’s Earth science research and application activities, ultimately contributing to the improvement of life on our planet.
Selected Companies for NASA’s Contract:
- BlackSky Geospatial Solutions, Inc.
- ICEYE US Inc.
- MDA Geospatial Service Inc.
- Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.
- Planet Labs Federal, Inc.
- Satellogic Federal, LLC
- Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
- The Tomorrow Companies Inc.
