COMPANY INFO
Pixxel Space Technologies Inc, founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, is a space technology company specializing in building a constellation of hyperspectral earth imaging satellites and analytical tools. With around 163 to 267 employees, Pixxel provides detailed earth observation data to support applications in agriculture, environment, mining, energy, and more through its platform www.pixxel.space.
Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. is a pioneering space technology company specializing in the development of a hyperspectral earth imaging satellite constellation along with advanced analytical software. Founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel delivers high-resolution earth observation data serving sectors like agriculture, environment, mining, and energy on a global scale.
The Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. leadership team brings together deep expertise in aerospace engineering, satellite technology, business strategy, and scientific research. This world-class management team is instrumental in positioning Pixxel at the forefront of the earth observation industry, unlocking growth through innovation, diverse professional backgrounds, and a shared vision to democratize access to earth data. The Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. founders and executive leadership drive ongoing advancements in satellite hardware, scientific applications, and enterprise adoption, ensuring commercial success and industry recognition.
As CEO, Awais Ahmed leads Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s strategic vision, overseeing the development, deployment, and expansion of the company's hyperspectral earth imaging satellite constellation. Awais has championed key initiatives such as securing major partnerships with NASA and ISRO, leading successful fundraising efforts, and streamlining satellite design and regulatory approval processes to accelerate global coverage milestones.
Awais Ahmed holds a Master’s in Technology from BITS Pilani. Before founding Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. in 2019, he was instrumental in launching India’s first Hyperloop pod team and interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he gained experience in satellite imaging. With over a decade in aerospace startups, he brings a breadth of knowledge in satellite systems engineering, remote sensing, and space policy to his CEO role.
As CTO, Kshitij Khandelwal oversees Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s technological roadmap, guiding the development of hyperspectral payloads and the company's data processing infrastructure. Kshitij led the successful delivery of the company’s first Firefly satellite prototype in under a year and has scaled up production capabilities for the expanding Aurora constellation.
Kshitij Khandelwal earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from IIT Bombay. He co-led the Hyperloop India pod project with Awais Ahmed and later contributed to payload integration at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre. With more than eight years of experience in satellite technologies, Kshitij’s domain expertise spans hyperspectral instrumentation, systems integration, and advanced data analytics—critical for Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s innovation and growth.
Dr. Eiji Yafuso serves as Chief Science Officer, guiding Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.’s scientific agenda, defining observation targets, and broadening applications for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and defense. He established the Science Advisory Council, spearheaded validations of Pixxel’s solutions in real-world use cases, and initiated collaborations with leading academic research institutions like Caltech and top IITs.
Dr. Yafuso earned his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University of Tokyo. He brings over 15 years of hyperspectral remote sensing experience from roles at JAXA and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications on spectral analysis and satellite calibration to his name.
As VP of Electronics, Manas Gupta manages all aspects of electronics and avionics design, with a focus on delivering robust, radiation-hardened payload and bus electronics for Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. satellites. Manas spearheaded the development of miniaturized power systems for the Firefly series and drove the company’s progress in integrating hardened electronics for harsh space environments.
Manas has a B.Tech in Electronics from UP Technical University and brings 12+ years of experience from ECIL, where he specialized in avionics and power electronics for space systems. His expertise is key to the continual innovation of Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s satellite subsystems.
As VP of Mechanics, Tejaswi Hareesh leads the structural and thermal engineering of Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s satellite platforms. He devised modular chassis solutions and advanced thermal control systems that resulted in a 15% reduction in satellite mass and improved survivability during launches.
Tejaswi holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani and has been with Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. as a founding team member for six years. Prior to joining Pixxel, he worked on thermal system designs for the BAJA Hyperloop team at BITS, building extensive domain knowledge in mechanical engineering for complex space systems.
Aakash Parekh drives commercialization strategies and orchestrates Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s entry and expansion into enterprise markets. He secured flagship contracts in agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring, and instituted an enterprise sales approach that resulted in a 300% increase in annual recurring revenue in 2024.
Aakash is an MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore and brings a decade of experience from Honeywell and Satellogic in space-tech sales and business operations. His expertise in go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and revenue operations is instrumental in Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.’s growth.
Ravi Suhag oversees Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s cross-functional engineering teams covering software, systems, and satellite production. He instituted Agile development and CI/CD practices across teams, significantly reducing development and integration cycles and improving launch readiness.
Ravi completed his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from MIT and spent eight years at Blue Origin working on suborbital launch systems and mission automation. His strength in systems architecture and engineering processes ensures efficiency and quality in Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. engineering operations.
As SVP, Finance, Srishti Bajpai was pivotal in developing financial systems to support Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.'s rapid scaling, optimizing budgets and financial planning, and driving compliance. She managed investor relations, led the $60M Series B capital raise, and fast-tracked the company to break-even six months ahead of schedule.
Srishti holds an MBA in Finance from NMIMS and brings 12 years’ experience from both fintech and aerospace—in particular at Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. and SpaceX India. Her focus areas include FP&A, mergers and acquisitions, and investor communications.
Tanya Pallavi heads HR strategy at Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc., implementing talent acquisition and organizational development programs. Her work led to a 50% reduction in recruitment cycles and an attrition decrease of 20% thanks to leadership and culture initiatives.
Tanya earned an MBA in HR from Banasthali Vidyapith and previously held HR roles at GE Aviation and Ola Cabs. Her areas of expertise include talent management and leadership development within high-growth technology companies.
As Chief of Staff, Abhilash Bhat coordinates company-wide executive projects, oversees strategic planning, and ensures cross-team alignment. He led Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc.’s launch program management office, ensuring timely delivery and deployment for the Firefly satellite series.
Abhilash holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from NIT Trichy. Before joining Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc., he worked as a Program Manager at ISRO’s PSLV division and as a consultant in systems engineering at McKinsey’s Space Practice.
The Pixxel Space Technologies, Inc. executive team is structured around deep aerospace technical expertise, advanced scientific capabilities, and robust operational and strategic leadership. Pixxel’s management emphasizes agility, scientific rigor, and strong collaborative culture, helping to drive the company’s technological edge and rapid commercial expansion in the earth observation sector. The founders and management team continue to scale the company internationally, backed by industry-leading investors.
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