Pixxel, Cosmoserve Partner for Space Debris Removal Mission

Bengaluru’s space startup, Pixxel, has partnered with Hyderabad-based space tech startup Cosmoserve Space to develop a technology demonstration mission for space debris removal. Pixxel will provide the satellite platform, while Cosmoserve will integrate its debris capture and removal system. 

The collaboration aims to address the growing issue of orbital debris and support sustainable space operations. The companies said the mission will test Cosmoserve’s debris removal technology in orbit. 

Cosmoserve’s Founder and CEO, Chiranjeevi Phanindra B, said in a statement that the company required a partner with strong expertise in orbital systems. “With the successful deployment and operation of six Firefly satellites, Pixxel brings exactly the engineering rigour and innovation we were looking for,” he added. 

Pixxel will use its satellite bus design (serving as the system’s base) and manufacturing capabilities for the mission. The demonstration will validate the feasibility of large-scale debris removal and assess its performance before future deployment.

Cosmoserve said the mission marks a step towards scaling its debris removal operations. The company aims to prove that large-scale removal is technically viable. Both firms said they may expand the partnership after the mission.

Pixxel Founder and CEO Awais Ahmed said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on responsible space access. “Partnering with Cosmoserve on this demonstration mission is a natural extension of our commitment to building a sustainable future in space,” he added.

Pixxel has also made an impact in Earth observation (EO) and, early last month, partnered with French space logistics company Exotrail to integrate electric propulsion systems for the launch of its upcoming EO satellites. Under the agreement, Pixxel will deploy Exotrail’s spaceware propulsion systems across future satellite launches through 2027. 

Last year in December, Pixxel was also selected to lead a consortium including Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space to design, build, and manage a constellation of 12 EO satellites for India.