Space startup Pixxel announced on Monday that it has been selected to be part of the On-Ramp 1 multiple award of NASA's $476 million Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. It is one of the eight companies that have signed the agreement. "This is a firm-fixed-price uncertain-delivery / uncertain-quantity multiple award agreement between all selected contractors, with a maximum value of $476 million, and a performance period through November 15, 2028," NASA said.

Under the agreement, Pixxel will provide hyperspectral Earth observation data to NASA and its U.S. government and academic partners, further bolstering the Administration's Earth science research and application activities.

"With the ability to capture data at hundreds of narrow wavelengths, Pixxel's datasets can uncover granular insights on climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, resource management, and more," the Bengaluru-based space startup said.

"Being selected for the NASA contract is a tremendous achievement for Pixxel, and will make hyperspectral imaging integral to the future of space-based Earth observation and enable us to build a health monitor for the planet," said Awais Ahmed. Founder and CEO of Pixel.

Pixxel said it is making significant progress towards its mission with the upcoming launch of Fireflies, a five-metre-resolution hyperspectral satellite that will be the highest resolution hyperspectral satellite ever launched. These satellites will capture data across 250 + spectral bands and offer more comprehensive coverage anywhere on the planet with a width of 40 km and a 24-hour revisit frequency.