Defence ministry inks deal for building miniature satellite for IAF

NEW DELHI: In the 350th contract under its flagship iDEX (innovations for defence excellence) initiative, the defence ministry on Tuesday inked a deal for the design and development of a miniature observation and imaging satellite for the IAF. The contract was inked with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the miniaturised satellite capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kg. "The company has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data," a MoD official said.

"This 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, wherein many payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites are now being miniaturised," he added.

The small modular satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.

The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022, and within a span of 18 months, the 350th contract has now been signed. Defence secretary Giridhar Aramane appreciated the "unwavering commitment" of new defence innovators for pushing the boundaries of technology and safeguarding the nation, and assured them of all possible support.