Defence Ministry's iDEX Signs Landmark 350th Contract for Miniaturised Satellite
Wednesday, 26 June 2024, 09:16 IST
The Ministry of Defence’s flagship initiative, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), reached a significant milestone by signing its 350th contract. The agreement, forged with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd, focuses on the design and development of a miniaturised satellite for the Indian Air Force.
The contract details a project to create a "Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kg", according to a statement from the Ministry. This miniaturised satellite aims to enhance innovation in space electronics by integrating multiple payloads previously deployed on large satellites into a compact, versatile platform.
The Defence Ministry highlighted several advantages of this modular small satellite, including faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing technological capabilities within the Indian defence sector.
The contract was exchanged between Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary of Defence Production and CEO of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), and Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri, Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. The ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.
SpacePixxel Technologies has been active in developing high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites for detailed earth observation. Their collaboration with iDEX marks a crucial step towards leveraging miniaturised technology for advanced satellite capabilities, thus contributing to the Indian Air Force's operational efficiency and strategic capabilities.
The Defence Ministry noted the rapid progression of iDEX, with the 150th contract signed in December 2022. In just 18 months, the initiative has doubled its contracts, reaching the 350th agreement. Defence Secretary Aramane commended the commitment of new defence innovators to advancing technology and safeguarding national interests. He emphasized the synergy between indigenisation and innovation, highlighting that domestic capabilities form a foundation for experimentation and development, while innovation drives the creation of new, locally producible technologies.
iDEX, recognized with the Prime Minister's Award for Public Policy in Innovation in 2021, has become a transformative force in the defence sector. Established by the DIO under the Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and has cleared procurement of 35 items valued at over Rs 2,000 crore. This latest contract with SpacePixxel Technologies reinforces iDEX’s role in fostering a robust, self-reliant defence innovation ecosystem.
The contract details a project to create a "Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kg", according to a statement from the Ministry. This miniaturised satellite aims to enhance innovation in space electronics by integrating multiple payloads previously deployed on large satellites into a compact, versatile platform.
The Defence Ministry highlighted several advantages of this modular small satellite, including faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing technological capabilities within the Indian defence sector.
The contract was exchanged between Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary of Defence Production and CEO of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), and Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri, Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. The ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.
SpacePixxel Technologies has been active in developing high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites for detailed earth observation. Their collaboration with iDEX marks a crucial step towards leveraging miniaturised technology for advanced satellite capabilities, thus contributing to the Indian Air Force's operational efficiency and strategic capabilities.
The Defence Ministry noted the rapid progression of iDEX, with the 150th contract signed in December 2022. In just 18 months, the initiative has doubled its contracts, reaching the 350th agreement. Defence Secretary Aramane commended the commitment of new defence innovators to advancing technology and safeguarding national interests. He emphasized the synergy between indigenisation and innovation, highlighting that domestic capabilities form a foundation for experimentation and development, while innovation drives the creation of new, locally producible technologies.
iDEX, recognized with the Prime Minister's Award for Public Policy in Innovation in 2021, has become a transformative force in the defence sector. Established by the DIO under the Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and has cleared procurement of 35 items valued at over Rs 2,000 crore. This latest contract with SpacePixxel Technologies reinforces iDEX’s role in fostering a robust, self-reliant defence innovation ecosystem.
