Why is it in the news?
- The Defence Ministry announced the signing of the 350th contract under the flagship initiative, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd.
- SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.
- This contract focuses on the design and development of a miniaturised satellite capable of carrying various payloads, including electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs.
| · About iDEX: · iDEX, the recipient of the esteemed Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in Innovation Category in 2021, has emerged as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem. · Established by the DIO under Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), and recently unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies. · In a brief period, iDEX has successfully gained momentum, fostering a burgeoning community of start-ups within the defence sector. · It is currently engaged with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs. o Till now, procurement of 35 items, worth over Rs 2,000 crore, has been cleared. · iDEX has facilitated the creation of numerous job opportunities and played a pivotal role in the development of the defence ecosystem. |
More about the news
- Led by the Indian Air Force, this contract marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation in space electronics.
- The miniaturised modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads, offering advantages such as faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
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