Pixxel, Exotrail Partner to Power Earth Observation Satellites

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel has partnered with French space logistics company Exotrail to integrate electric propulsion systems for the launch of its upcoming Earth observation satellites.

Under the agreement, Pixxel will deploy Exotrail’s spaceware propulsion systems across future satellite launches through 2027. The systems will support Pixxel’s expanding Earth observation constellation and broader space infrastructure plans.

This comes just after IN-SPACe announced Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space as winners for its satellite bus hosting scheme. They will receive a grant of ₹5 crore to develop and demonstrate Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS).

Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, said in a statement, “As we expand our satellite infrastructure, propulsion becomes central to mission flexibility and long-term performance.” He added that the partnership strengthens Pixxel’s roadmap for scalable, efficient space systems and reflects collaboration between Indian and French space ecosystems.

Pixxel will integrate Exotrail’s modular Hall-Effect electric propulsion systems into satellites ranging from 10 kg to 1,000 kg. The selected system features a compact form factor. It allows Pixxel to prioritise payload design without affecting performance.

The companies said the propulsion systems have logged significant in-orbit firing hours. They are deployed across multiple missions worldwide. The systems support satellite deployment, operational flexibility, and end-of-life management.

Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail, said that the partnership validates spaceware systems as a propulsion offer for growing space infrastructure and the Earth observation market.

Pixxel builds and operates hyperspectral imaging satellites and has planned a constellation of 18 to 24 satellites for daily global revisit. The constellation will deliver high-resolution Earth observation data for sectors including agriculture, energy, mining and infrastructure.

The announcement coincided with the launch of the India-France innovation year in Mumbai. Space remains a key pillar of cooperation between the two countries, the companies said.