Ministry of Defence announced that the 350th contract under Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, signed with SpacePixel Technologies Pvt Ltd in New Delhi.
To provide detailed Earth observation data, SpacePixel is actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites.
The contract has been signed for the design and development of a miniaturised satellite capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar and hyperspectral payloads weighing up to 150 kg.
The Indian Air Force is leading this challenge.
In December 2022, the 150th IDEX contract was signed and the 350th contract has been signed within 18 months.
Modular small satellites will integrate multiple small payloads as needed, offering benefits such as rapid and cost-effective deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
IDEX was set up by DIO under the Department of Defence Production.
IDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge.
Recently the Aceing Development of Innovative Technologies with IDEX (ADITI) scheme was unveiled to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
It is currently engaged with over 400 start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
So far, purchase of 35 items worth over Rs 2000 crore has been approved.
In 2021, iDEX awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Public Policy in the Innovation category.
