Pixxel launches Fireflies, India’s first private satellite constellation

Google-backed Pixxel, a five-year-old startup, launched the first three commercial satellites of its Firefly constellation on Tuesday night. The Bengaluru-based hyperspectral imaging and Earth Observation (EO) startup plans to launch a total of 18 satellites in its constellation, providing critical climate and Earth insights to industries globally.

“With a 5-meter resolution attained for the first time in a hyperspectral spacecraft, Fireflies are six times sharper than the 30-meter standard of most existing hyperspectral satellites, capturing fine details previously invisible to conventional systems,” Pixxel stated, adding that this achievement makes Fireflies India’s first private satellite constellation.

The indigenously built satellites were integrated via SpaceX’s Exolaunch aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.


Pixxel explained that Fireflies will capture data across 150 spectral bands, enabling the detection of subtle changes in chemical compositions, vegetation health, water quality, and even atmospheric conditions with unmatched accuracy. “Unlike traditional EO satellites that rely on broader spectral bands, Fireflies’ narrowband sensors uncover hidden patterns and anomalies critical for applications ranging from agriculture to climate action,” the startup said.

The satellites will orbit in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550 km, and Pixxel expects to enable their commercial imaging capabilities by mid-March.

“The future of our planet depends on how deeply we understand it today. The successful deployment of our first commercial satellites is a defining moment for Pixxel and a giant leap toward redefining how we use space technology to address the planet's challenges," said Pixxel's founder, Awais Ahmed.

Following the success of its first phase of commercialization, Pixxel plans to launch three more Firefly satellites in Q2 2025. These satellites will monitor deforestation and ocean pollution in near real time. The startup has so far raised $95 million in funding, making it one of the most well-funded hyperspectral imaging space startups globally.