Dawn Aerospace has reached another milestone in its mission to redefine sustainable space technology by collaborating with Pixxel, a trailblazer in hyperspectral imaging. Pixxel’s three hyperspectral satellites, launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, utilize Dawn Aerospace’s innovative green-chemistry propulsion systems. This partnership underscores how space technology can directly address global challenges by offering advanced Earth-monitoring capabilities.

Pixxel, an India-US-based trailblazer in hyperspectral imaging, is on a mission to build a health monitor for the planet and accelerate access to space-based Earth monitoring. By building a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites capable of global coverage every 24 hours, Pixxel is making advanced data available for commercial and practical applications at unprecedented scales, previously the domain of specialized research and government use. From monitoring agricultural lands to forests to water management, their satellites transform industries while supporting critical sustainability goals.

“The team is extremely pleased with the launch of these three satellites with Pixxel”, remarks Director at Dawn, Jeroen Wink. "We champion Pixxel’s commitment to detecting, monitoring, and predicting global phenomena." 

Dawn’s green propulsion, which uses non-toxic nitrous-based fuels, is a fitting choice for Pixxel’s sustainability-driven mission. By selecting Dawn, Pixxel ensures its satellite constellation remains in harmony with its values of sustainability and environmental responsibility, leveraging space to protect and improve life on Earth.

The Importance of Pixxel's Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

Hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, revealing details invisible to the human eye or conventional cameras. This cutting-edge capability has historically been limited to high-cost, niche applications. Pixxel is changing that, bringing hyperspectral technology to industries and applications that need it most. These areas include:

• Forest Monitoring: Pixxel’s satellites have revolutionized forest monitoring, providing data that can detect early signs of tree stress, diseases, or illegal deforestation. In Japan, hyperspectral imagery identified regions affected by oak wilt disease, a fungal infection allowing authorities to intervene swiftly to contain its spread and preserve healthy forest ecosystems. This proactive approach highlights how space-based data can protect biodiversity on a large scale.
• Agriculture and Crop Health: From identifying crop health issues to optimizing water usage, Pixxel’s imaging provides farmers with the tools they need to improve yields while reducing environmental impact. These insights help address food security challenges globally. For example, Australian wheat farmers have used hyperspectral insights to optimize fertilizer use, leading to healthier crops and reduced environmental impact.
• Water Quality: Hyperspectral imaging enables precise tracking of pollutants and changes in water bodies, offering a proactive approach to resource management. For instance, Pixxel’s data has been used to monitor Utah Lake algal blooms in freshwater systems, enabling authorities to detect harmful blooms early and take timely action to prevent ecological damage. This technology has proven crucial in preserving water quality for both human use and aquatic ecosystems.

Pixxel’s hyperspectral satellite

“Dawn Aerospace’s green and efficient propulsion systems, with their simplicity and rapid turnaround, play a crucial role in supporting Pixxel’s mission to swiftly deploy and scale our hyperspectral satellite constellation. This partnership enables us to accelerate Earth-monitoring efforts and deliver critical insights for a better future,” said Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel.

Later in Q2 2025, Pixxel plans to launch three more satellites equipped with Dawn SatDrives, strengthening the two companies' collaboration and shared commitment to Earth-focused solutions.

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