MoD partners with SpacePixxel Technologies for miniaturised satellite development For IAF

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a significant contract with Bengaluru-based SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a miniaturised satellite.

The satellite is capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kg, including electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral sensors.

This partnership marks the 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, the flagship program of the MoD.

How did this collaboration come about?

The contract was signed in New Delhi on June 25, 2024, marking a milestone for iDEX. The agreement was formalized 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 ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials from the MoD. This milestone was achieved within 18 months of signing the 150th iDEX contract in December 2022.

What are the features and benefits of the miniaturised satellite?

The miniaturised satellite being developed by SpacePixxel Technologies will integrate various payloads that were previously deployed on larger satellites.

This approach offers several advantages, including faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and a reduced environmental impact. The satellite's modular nature allows for multiple miniaturised payloads to be included as per the mission requirements.

What are the broader implications of this collaboration?

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane highlighted the importance of combining indigenisation with innovation, stating that domestic capabilities provide a foundation for fostering innovation through experimentation and development. He assured that the MoD would support innovators at every step.

The collaboration aligns with iDEX's goal of driving innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies and strengthening the defence ecosystem in India.

iDEX, which received the Prime Minister's Award for Public Policy in Innovation in 2021, continues to engage over 400 startups and MSMEs, facilitating the procurement of items worth over Rs 2,000 crore.

How does this fit into the larger picture of defence innovation in India?

iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and recently introduced the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote critical and strategic defence innovations.

The initiative has successfully fostered a growing community of start-ups within the defence sector, creating numerous job opportunities and significantly contributing to the development of the defence ecosystem.

The collaboration with SpacePixxel Technologies is another step towards advancing India's capabilities in defence technology and maintaining a robust defence infrastructure.