This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Google (GOOGL, Financials)-backed space startup Pixxel has raised $100 million as India’s private space industry continues to attract larger pools of capital.
The Series C round was led by Temasek and Seraphim Space, with participation from existing and new investors. It brings Pixxel’s total funding to $195 million.
The company started with hyperspectral satellites designed to capture information about Earth that conventional satellite imagery can miss. Now it is building a much broader business.
Pixxel has expanded into Earth-intelligence software through its Aurora platform, satellite manufacturing and systems for commercial and government customers.
The new money will help expand its Honeybee satellite constellation, add higher-resolution imaging capabilities and increase manufacturing capacity in India and the U.S.
Pixxel already has six Firefly satellites in orbit and has secured work with NASA and the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
That makes this funding round about more than another space startup raising cash.
It shows how quickly India’s commercial space sector is moving from small launch and satellite projects toward companies trying to build full-scale global businesses.
Pixxel’s next major milestone is expected in 2027, when the first Honeybee satellite is scheduled to launch.
