Pixxel inaugurates advanced satellite manufacturing hub in India

Pixxel inaugurates advanced satellite manufacturing hub in India
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 16, 2024

Pixxel has opened its first-ever spacecraft manufacturing facility, aptly named "MegaPixxel," in Bengaluru, India. The inauguration, which marks a new chapter in Pixxel's journey, was attended by Shri S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), alongside other notable industry stakeholders and investors.

Spanning 30,000 square feet, the MegaPixxel facility integrates all satellite manufacturing services, creating a comprehensive Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) hub. This facility is a testament to Pixxel's commitment to streamlining the satellite production process, covering all stages from conception to launch. It provides a crucial space for Pixxel's satellites to be meticulously designed, manufactured, integrated, and tested for launch conditions before their journey to the launch site.

Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, reflected on this milestone, stating, "The inauguration of the new facility marks a momentous milestone as Pixxel nears its fifth anniversary since inception. It will bolster our mission to build a health monitor for the planet. By increasing our capacity to build more satellites, we will deliver even more critical data to our customers faster so they can make informed decisions and address the needs of key industries such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring."

The facility is not just large in scale but also in ambition and capability. At full capacity, it can manage more than twenty satellites simultaneously, allowing for a turnaround time of six months per satellite. This efficiency positions the facility to potentially churn out forty large satellites annually.

In terms of design, the MegaPixxel facility stands out with its two modern clean rooms, adhering to ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 standards. These clean rooms are crucial for protecting against contaminants that could compromise satellite functionality during the assembly and integration process. The facility also houses advanced labs for camera integration, electronics R and D, and electrical assembly, alongside a mechanical workshop, a mission control room, and an office space capable of accommodating over 200 employees.

Echoing the global call for sustainable practices, Pixxel has ensured that their facility aligns with these values. Notably, the facility features a wastewater treatment plant, aiding in water conservation and reducing dependency on external water sources. Furthermore, the inclusion of smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems enhances energy efficiency and minimizes the carbon footprint, showcasing Pixxel's commitment to environmental stewardship.

This new facility in Bengaluru is a pivotal move for Pixxel as it gears up for an ambitious schedule of satellite launches, with six satellites planned for 2024 and eighteen more by 2025. These developments are set to significantly advance Pixxel's mission of building a health monitor for the planet, providing critical data for informed decision-making across various industries.