Indian Spacetech Startup Opens Bengaluru Facility

On Monday, 15 January 2024, Spacetech startup Pixxel inaugurated its new assembly, integrated, and testing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka, according to reports.

Sreedhara Somanath, chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation, inaugurated the facility built in Northern Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the facility consists of a ‘clean room’ and testing area spread over 20,000 square feet, with the remaining spread over more than 50,000 square feet.

During an explanatory speech, Somnath restrained him from his early days building the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle for ISRO years ago.

Building a satellite is one thing, and building a business around it is a different thing. Every satellite has to be unique and the demands of the market change very quickly, even every three or four years, so you’ll have to be very dynamic to keep up with that. I’m sure your team will be able to build that niche over time (sic).” claimed Somnath.

The facility will be used to integrate and test Pixel’s satellites, which will be part of projects like the Fireflies and Honeybees constellations. These projects involve small satellites developed for imaging purposes, with Pixel playing a key role.

Reportedly, in 2019, the Google and Lightspeed-backed startup initiated its major operations while subsequently raising $36 Million during a funding round that took place back in June 2023. Meanwhile, in a conference, the company promised to launch six satellites in 2024, and 18 satellites by 2025.

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