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A Bengaluru-based space startup called Pixxel has been awarded a grant to manufacture miniaturized multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative is part of the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) program. The need for all-weather remote-sensing capabilities became evident during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Pixxel’s satellites aim to address this need and reduce dependence on friendly allies for timely imagery.

Western nations like the USA have had similar capabilities since the early 1990s with satellites, such as the Keyhole series. However, Pixxel’s technology allows for state-of-the-art multispectral cameras to be incorporated into smaller low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The Shakuntala/TD-2 LEO satellite, launched in April 2022 as part of a ‘ride share’ mission on Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket, is one example.

Pixxel claims that its micro-satellites have a resolution 50 times higher than existing multispectral counterparts, making them suitable for detecting, monitoring, and predicting global weather phenomena. These micro-satellites weigh less than 150 kg and have a resolution of around 10m per pixel, comparable to the hyper-spectral cameras launched by NASA, the European Space Agency, and ISRO. They have a lifespan of 10 years.

The emergence of a private sector startup like Pixxel is commendable, as it allows for collaboration with foreign vendors like Space X, which have deep pockets. Additionally, using ISRO’s PSLV satellites for launch offers attractive commercial benefits for the nation’s space agency.

The ability to have indigenous LEO satellites would complement the nation’s military satellite program and provide Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) capabilities. Multispectral sensors on these satellites would be invaluable for infrared and synthetic aperture radar cameras, enabling all-weather target analysis and BDA.

To ensure the safety of LEO satellites, measures must be taken to protect them from electronic jamming and physical damage by space interceptors. The use of LEO and very low earth orbit (VLEO) satellites that prioritize being “seen and not seen” provides better options for high-resolution imagery with lower payload satellites, offering cost benefits for the operator.

The exploitation of the commercial LEO space by leading air and space forces is currently a trend. Multispectral sensor capability on satellites would also enable enemy missile launch detection on the ground.

The Ukrainian conflict has highlighted the importance of high-resolution satellite imagery. Russian military satellites have limited capabilities due to sanctions imposed after the Crimean invasion. Russian satellite imagery is typically around 50 cm per pixel compared to 5 cm for the Keyhole series and approximately 15 cm for private satellites like Maxar and Planet.

The IAF’s contract with Pixxel is expected to meet their requirements for high-resolution imagery and communication services in all-weather conditions. Private satellite imagery companies, such as Maxar and Planet, have been providing commercial applications, and the advent of such companies in the IAF’s targeting sphere bodes well for the future of sophisticated intelligence capabilities for aspiring nations and private players.

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