Pixxel sets up Pixxel Federal to sell hyperspectral imaging to US government agencies

Bengaluru spacetech company Pixxel has set up Pixxel Federal, a US subsidiary that will offer Earth observation technology, satellite mission systems and geospatial intelligence to federal customers across civilian, defence and intelligence agencies. The company announced the move on October 29, and it was reported by The Hindu, The Times of India and Moneycontrol.

Pixxel Federal will be led by Allyson Jenkins, who was previously Pixxel's vice president for the public sector. The Times of India reported that she has 18 years of experience in national security and geospatial intelligence, including nine years at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The subsidiary's board includes retired US Army Lieutenant General Ray Palumbo, Patrick M. Antkowiak and Frank X. Avila. The unit plans to open an office in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

The pitch rests on hyperspectral imaging, which identifies materials by how they reflect light across many narrow wavelength bands and can show details that ordinary satellite images miss. Pixxel lists uses such as camouflage detection, terrain mapping, critical mineral and rare earth detection, environmental monitoring and agriculture. Its existing US work includes a contract under NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program and a Strategic Commercial Enhancements contract from the NRO to evaluate commercial hyperspectral data.

Founder and CEO Awais Ahmed said the US government market is a significant opportunity as Pixxel expands beyond hyperspectral imaging into sensing technologies, software and satellite systems. The move follows Pixxel's $100 million Series C round co-led by Temasek and Seraphim, which took its total funding to $195 million. The Times of India reported that the company has six Firefly satellites in orbit.