Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Pixxel has secured a significant contract from NASA as part of a $476 million initiative to provide hyperspectral earth observation data. The contract, which runs through November 2028, positions Pixxel among eight selected companies tasked with enhancing NASA's Earth science research and applications. Co-founder and CEO Awais Ahmed hailed the selection as a monumental achievement that validates the importance of hyperspectral imaging in monitoring planetary health. Pixxel is set to launch its 'Fireflies' satellites, which will capture high-resolution data across over 250 spectral bands and facilitate broader access to critical environmental insights. This contract marks a pivotal moment for India's emerging spacetech industry, which has gained momentum following recent government policy reforms. Overall, this development underscores the increasing role of private companies in global space initiatives.