To guide its satellites in orbit, Pixxel chooses Exotrail thrusters
Pixxel Space Partners with Exotrail for Satellite Propulsion
Space-tech startup Pixxel Space on Tuesday announced a partnership with French electric propulsion provider Exotrail to power and steer its upcoming satellites in orbit. The announcement was made at the launch of the India-France Innovation Year in Mumbai, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Under the agreement, Pixxel will integrate Exotrail’s “spaceware” electric propulsion systems into its future satellite missions, with deliveries planned through 2027. These systems will support Pixxel’s expanding Earth Observation constellation and its broader space infrastructure plans.
Founded in Bengaluru, Pixxel builds advanced satellites and operates what it describes as the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellite constellation. The company has also received a government grant to build satellites for the Indian Air Force and is developing India’s first privately owned national Earth observation system.
Pixxel founder and CEO Awais Ahmed said the partnership strengthens the company’s goal of building scalable and efficient space systems, while also highlighting growing cooperation between the Indian and French space sectors.
Exotrail’s propulsion systems are modular Hall-Effect electric engines designed for satellites weighing between 10 and 1,000 kg. The compact design allows Pixxel to focus more space on its advanced imaging payloads without compromising performance. The systems have already logged significant in-orbit usage across multiple global missions and are known for efficiency, flexibility, and responsible end-of-life satellite management.
Exotrail CEO Jean-Luc Maria said the partnership validates the company’s propulsion technology as a strong solution for the growing commercial Earth observation market.
The collaboration reflects the increasing role of private companies in strengthening space cooperation between India and France, particularly in the field of commercial Earth observation.
