Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), has partnered with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd to design and develop a miniaturized satellite capable of carrying multiple advanced payloads up to 150 kgs for Indian Air Force. This achievement, coming just 18 months after the 150th contract, highlights iDEX’s crucial role in driving technological innovation and self-reliance in India’s defence industry.
A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, iDEX has achieved a historic milestone by signing its 350th contract on June 25, 2024, in New Delhi.
SpacePixxel has been at the forefront of developing and launching high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites, which provide detailed earth observation data.
Importance of this contract
This represents a significant leap in space electronics innovation. Traditionally, large dedicated satellites were needed to deploy various payloads. However, the new contract focuses on miniaturizing these payloads, allowing multiple functions to be integrated into a single small satellite. This modular approach offers numerous advantages, including faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and CEO of Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Anurag Bajpai and Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri. The event was attended by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.
In his address, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane praised the dedication of new defence innovators who are pushing technological boundaries to enhance national security. He highlighted the critical role of indigenization combined with innovation, noting that domestic capabilities form a foundation for experimentation and development.
“Innovation fuels indigenization by driving the creation of new technologies and solutions that can be produced domestically,” Aramane said, promising comprehensive support to innovators at every stage.
SpacePixxel’s miniaturized satellite will be capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads. The integration of these advanced technologies into a single, compact satellite is expected to revolutionize earth observation and defence capabilities. This is being led by Indian Air Force. This contract not only showcases the potential of Indian defence startups but also highlights the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to fostering homegrown innovations.
The iDEX initiative continues to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s defence sector by encouraging startups and MSMEs to develop cutting-edge technologies. The partnership with SpacePixxel Technologies is a testament to the progress being made towards self-reliance and technological advancement in the defence domain.