Defence Ministry signs 350th iDEX contract with SpacePixxel technologies for miniature satellite development
- In Reports
- 05:12 PM, Jun 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Ministry of Defence has finalised its 350th iDEX contract with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. The agreement entails the design and development of a miniature observation and imaging satellite intended for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative seeks to advance space electronics through the miniaturisation of payloads traditionally installed on larger satellites.
The miniaturised satellite, capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads weighing up to 150 kg, is expected to provide significant advantages.
A Ministry of Defence official highlighted that this 350th iDEX contract marks a milestone in space electronics innovation, focusing on miniaturising payloads that were previously only feasible on large, dedicated satellites.
The small modular satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads, offering benefits such as faster and more cost-effective deployment, simplified manufacturing processes, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
SpacePixxel Technologies has been actively engaged in developing high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites aimed at delivering detailed earth observation data. The contract for the project was formally exchanged between Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and CEO of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), and Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri, Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies.
Within 18 months of signing the 150th iDEX contract in December 2022, the Ministry has reached this notable milestone. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane praised the dedication of new defence innovators in advancing technology and enhancing national security. "The unwavering commitment of these new defence innovators is driving technological advancement and ensuring national protection. We assure them of our full support," he stated.
The iDEX initiative, managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production, has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge and recently introduced the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to further promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
So far, the procurement of 35 items, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, has been approved. iDEX received the Prime Minister's Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category in 2021 and currently collaborates with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs.
iDEX, a flagship initiative led by the Ministry of Defence, aims to foster innovation and technology development in the defence and aerospace sectors. It seeks to engage industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in defence and aerospace. Since its establishment, iDEX has played a crucial role in advancing defence technology in India, promoting collaboration between the government and private sectors.
Image source: ANI
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