Google-backed spacetech startup Pixxel is set for the launch of the first three hyperspectral imaging satellites of its Firefly constellation aboard a SpaceX rocket from California on Wednesday at midnight India time.

The launch will be keenly watched in India as besides Pixxel, two more startups – Digantara and XDLINX – will also be reportedly launching their satellites aboard the same rocket.

The launch of Pixxel’s satellites is an important milestone for the country’s burgeoning spacetech industry, as this will be the launch of India’s first private satellite constellation.

The satellites are aimed to be placed at roughly 550 km, orbiting in a sun-synchronous orbit. As per the definition of the European Space Agency, sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) is a kind of polar orbit in which satellites are in sync with the Sun.

In an interaction with Inc42 in July 2023, Pixxel’s founder and CEO Awais Ahmed had said that Firefly is a 24-satellite constellation, of which, the first six would be launched in 2024. However, due to various reasons, the launch was delayed.

To dig deeper into the path to the launch of the first three satellites happening tonight—challenges, significance, market opportunity, and more—we spoke to Ahmed and Pixxel cofounder and CTO Kshitij Khandelwal.

However, what intrigued us the most is that the Indian spacetech startup chose SpaceX over ISRO. What could be the reason?

Here are the edited excerpts…

Inc42: What is the significance of launching in a sun-synchronous orbit at a 550 km altitude?

Awais Ahmed: Satellites in the........

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