Pixxel's Constellation
Pixxel operates the Firefly constellation and is actively developing its upcoming Honeybee constellation, scheduled for launch in 2027. Each constellation is designed with distinct spectral capabilities—Firefly focuses on VNIR (Visible and Near-Infrared) imaging, while Honeybee will expand coverage to include both VNIR and SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) bands once operational.
Firefly
Pixxel successfully deployed three satellites in the first quarter of 2025, followed by an additional three in the third quarter of 2025—all part of the Firefly constellation. The sensors onboard these satellites are capable of capturing hyperspectral imagery across 135 bands, covering the 470–900 nm spectral range, with an approximate 5-meter Ground Sampling Distance (GSD).
The first three satellites, deployed in the first quarter of 2025, are designated FF01, FF02 and FF03; the second trio, deployed in the third quarter of 2025, is designated Ffly 01, Ffly 02 and Ffly 03. Within each trio the satellites are of the same generation and carry the same payload design—the numbering does not indicate successive versions.
By capturing hundreds of narrow wavelengths of light—the “spectral fingerprint” of materials—data from these satellites helps industries and governments see what is invisible to the human eye.
Mission Characteristics
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) | ~5.4 meters |
| Swath Width | 38 km |
| Wavelength Range | 472 – 890 nm |
| Band Information | Bandwidths: 4-11.5 nm , Spectral Range: 472.4 – 890 nm |
| Total Available Bands | ~135 bands |
| Selectable Bands per Capture | ~45 bands |
| Orbit Type | Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), 97.65° inclination |
| Orbital Altitude | 589 km |
| Equator Crossing Time | Between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM local solar time |
| Off-Nadir Angle / Slew | ±20° (±10° recommended for optimal quality) |
| Revisit Time | Within ±30° latitude: < 7 days , Above +30° and below -30°: < 4 days |
| Cloud Cover Threshold | < 20% |
| Imagery Bit Depth | 10-bit dynamic range, stored in a 16-bit container |
Common Use Cases
Hyperspectral data from the Firefly constellation supports a range of applications across industry and government:
- Agriculture: Detecting crop stress and disease weeks before it becomes visible to traditional cameras.
- Water quality: Pinpointing sources of water contamination and ocean pollution.
- Environment: Tracking deforestation patterns and monitoring industrial emissions.
- Mining: Mapping mineral resources for mining operations.
Honeybee
The Honeybee satellites are planned for launch in 2027. These satellites will be equipped with sensors capable of capturing hyperspectral imagery across 260 bands, spanning the 470–2500 nm spectral range, with a 5-meter Ground Sampling Distance (GSD).
Mission Characteristics
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) | ~5 meters |
| Swath Width | 10 km SWIR, 30 km VNIR |
| Wavelength Range | 470 - 2500 nm |
| Total Available Bands | ~160 VNIR, ~100 SWIR |
| Selectable Bands per Capture | Total: 72 (VNIR - 46, SWIR - 26) |
| Orbit Type | Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), 97.45° inclination |
| Orbital Altitude | 550 km(TBD) |
| Equator Crossing Time | Between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM local solar time |
| Off-Nadir Angle / Slew | ±20° (±10° recommended for optimal quality) |
| Revisit Time | 1-4 days |
| Cloud Cover Threshold | < 20% |
| Imagery Bit Depth | 10-bit dynamic range, stored in a 16-bit container |