wp-plugin-hostgator domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home4/scienrds/scienceandnerds/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114ol-scrapes domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home4/scienrds/scienceandnerds/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114Source:https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2023\/06\/01\/pixxels-hyperspectral-orbital-imagery-attracts-google-cash\/<\/a><\/br> Hyperspectral imagery startup Pixxel<\/a> has closed $36 million in funding as it prepares to roll out new remote sensing and analytics capabilities to customers.<\/p>\n The LA and Bangalore-based startup also scored a new strategic investor: Google, the tech giant that\u2019s as well known for its mapping products as it is for its search engine. While Google led the Series B funding round, this does not mark the start of its relationship with Pixxel, CEO Awais Ahmed said in a recent interview.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were already working with them as a client before this,\u201d he explained, with an AI research team from Google employing Pixxel\u2019s hyperspectral data in agricultural applications. Google also rolled out its Earth Engine last year, a powerful tool that gives governments and businesses access to a massive trove of Earth observation data from hundreds of sensors in orbit. Many of Pixxel\u2019s users separately use Earth Engine, Ahmed said, and the ultimate goal is to integrate the startup\u2019s data onto that service.<\/p>\n Hyperspectral imaging uses a spectrometer to identify the spectral signature of objects. Taken from space, this type of imaging unlocks an enormous degree of insight into our planet \u2014 from detecting gas leaks to identifying specific types of minerals or plants. Pixxel has been developing this technology since 2019, and it put three demonstration satellites into orbit last year.<\/p>\n The startup has been selling data to a number of customers, including the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. But \u201cto increase the capacity and to actually reach a point that we can be self-sustaining with revenue,\u201d Ahmed said, Pixxel\u2019s team is now focused on launching its next-gen Firefly constellation. Those satellites will be able to provide five-meter resolution over most of the Earth, as opposed to 10-meters from the demo satellites. (Ahmed points out that even 10-meters is the highest resolution hyperspectral sensor that\u2019s ever operated in space.)<\/p>\n The Fireflies also have a longer lifespan: from two years to seven years. They are heftier too \u2014 50 kilograms versus 15 kilograms \u2014 likely due to increased on-board propulsion. A trio of Firefly satellites will launch in early 2024 with SpaceX, and Pixxel plans to launch another three satellites shortly after. The company intends to launch 18 additional satellites by 2025.<\/p>\n Pixxel\u2019s other major focus has been developing the Aurora analytics platform, which will allow customers to identify the spectral signature of an object with a click of a button. Different model tools will be built-in to the platform, like a crop species identification model, a cloud removal model and a model to notify about gas leaks. Customers can use Aurora to track specific areas over time and to generate weekly reports on changes over those periods.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the first sneak peek of our Geospatial analysis data platform \u201cAurora\u201d, a highly intuitive platform to access end-to-end analytics and extract insights from earth observation datasets. Get access to our alpha testing community now: https:\/\/t.co\/bPA4qYqmId<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/f3wS6SnAWo<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPixxel\u2019s hyperspectral orbital imagery attracts investment from Google<\/br>
\n2023-06-01 22:22:27<\/br><\/p>\n\n