Pixxel, an Indian private space-tech company, launches India’s first private satellite constellation, ‘Firefly’

 Pixxel, an Indian private space-tech company, launches India’s first private satellite constellation, ‘Firefly’

The first three satellites of the Firefly constellation were successfully launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Firefly is Pixxel’s flagship Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) satellite constellation, consisting of six of the highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites to date.

About Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Satellites:
HSI captures a wide spectrum of light rather than simply assigning primary colors (red, green, blue) to each pixel, effectively creating a spectral "fingerprint" of the Earth.
HSI satellites provide more detailed information about what is being imaged. For example, while a typical satellite can identify a forest, an HSI satellite can distinguish between various tree types and assess the health of each individual tree.

About Satellite Constellations:
A satellite constellation is a network of identical artificial satellites working together with a shared purpose and control. These satellites communicate with global ground stations and sometimes interconnect to enhance their functions.
Starlink, with 2,146 active satellites, is currently the largest satellite constellation.

Types of Satellite Orbits:

1. Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned at an altitude of 36,000 km, this orbit synchronizes with the Earth's rotation.
2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 km, this orbit is traditionally used for navigation.
3. Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Positioned at an altitude of 500 to 1,200 km, LEO satellites primarily support research, telecommunications, and Earth observation.

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