MoD Seals 350th iDEX Contract for Advanced Miniaturized Satellite

The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, continues to foster innovation. On June 25th, iDEX signed its 350th contract, demonstrating its commitment to pushing the boundaries of defence technology. The contract, with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd, is for the design and development of a ‘Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs’. This achievement comes just 18 months after signing the 150th iDEX contract in December 2022, the Defence Ministry said.
The contract, which was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and CEO of Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Anurag Bajpai and Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri, marks a significant step in the development of high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites. The event took place in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil and military officials of the Ministry of Defence. SpacePixxel, a key player in the industry, has been actively working to build and launch these satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.
According to the official statement, the 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, particularly in the miniaturisation of payloads. The integration of multiple miniaturised payloads in a modular small satellite brings numerous benefits. These include faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact, all of which contribute to the advancement of space technology.
In his address, the Defence Secretary reiterated his firm belief in the importance of combining indigenisation with innovation. He emphasised that domestic capabilities not only provide a foundation for fostering innovation but also drive the creation of new technologies and solutions that can be produced domestically, a strategic direction that he is confident will lead to greater success.
DEX, an initiative by the Department of Defence Production, received the Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category in 2021. It has facilitated 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge and introduced the ADITI scheme to promote innovation in defence technologies. With over 400 start-ups and MSMEs engaged, iDEX has cleared the procurement of 35 items worth over Rs 2,000 crore and has significantly contributed to job creation and the development of the defence ecosystem.
Team BharatShakti