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

Under the agreement, Pixxel will provide hyperspectral Earth observation data to NASA and its US government and academic partners, further strengthening 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 into climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, resource management and more," the Bengaluru-based space startup said.

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

Pixel said it is making significant progress toward its mission with the upcoming launch of the five-meter resolution hyperspectral satellite Fireflies, 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 revisit frequency of 24 hours.