Bringing Space Technology Benefits Back Down To Earth
23 January 2025
Space technology often feels light-years away from our everyday lives. But Dawn Aerospace and Pixxel are rewriting the script. With the successful deployment of Pixxel’s three hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, powered by Dawn’s green-chem SatDrive propulsion systems, the two companies are contributing to increasing the direct benefits of space technologies for life on Earth.
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 are transforming 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.
Why Pixxel’s Hyperspectral Imaging Matters
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.
These applications highlight how hyperspectral imaging is transforming industries by providing actionable insights that address global challenges and oportunities. By enabling such innovations, Pixxel’s constellation is not only advancing Earth monitoring but also redefining how space technology contributes to sustainability. Dawn Aerospace is proud to support this vision through its propulsion systems.
“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,”
- 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.
Pixxel’s hyperspectral satellite - Firefly used to photograph activity on Earth’s surface
Pixxel’s hyperspectral satellite, Firefly, using Dawn Aerospace’s nitrous-based SatDrive propulsion system.
Space Technology for a Better Earth
Looking ahead, Pixxel plans to expand its constellation with additional satellites equipped with Dawn’s propulsion systems. This constellation exemplifies the possibilities of the innovation and impact space technology can have on addressing critical challenges on Earth.
Space is the vantage point of unparalleled global coverage, unlocking new opportunities for environmental protection, resource optimization, and sustainable development needed for doing right by the planet, requiring continued focus, refinement and industry evolution.
The Transporter-12 launch marks a major milestone for Dawn Aerospace, now surpassing 100 thrusters in orbit.
Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable space technology, grow our partnerships, and launch missions that make a meaningful impact on our world.
