India’s first Private Satellite Constellation

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Recently, an Indian space tech startup Pixxel launched imaging satellites of its Firefly constellation aboard a SpaceX rocket from California.

More on the News:

• Pixxel (a Bengaluru-based space tech startup backed by Google) launched three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites of its Firefly constellation aboard a SpaceX rocket.

• Hyperspectral imaging captures highly detailed data across hundreds of light bands to serve industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring and defence.

• This launch marks the first phase of Pixxel's commercial constellation, with three additional Firefly satellites scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2025.

• Pixxel plans to add 18 more spacecraft to the six it has already developed.

• The SpaceX rocket also launched a satellite from another Indian space company, Diganatara.

About Fireflies Constellation:

• The Firefly constellation marks a watershed moment in India’s space journey (Earth Observation) as the nation’s first commercial satellite constellation.
• The Fireflies, the world's highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites, provide unmatched precision in monitoring the planet and set a new standard for hyperspectral imaging.
• Unlike traditional Earth observation satellites that rely on broader spectral bands, Firefly’s narrowband sensors reveal hidden patterns and anomalies critical for applications ranging from agriculture to climate action. 

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform

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Recently, the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the inaugural Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi.

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• It aims to enhance India's cleantech value chains in the solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors.
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry stated that the Cleantech sector must become independent of the Government and the PLI scheme can only help kickstart the sector. 

Bharat Climate Forum 2025:

• It aims to position India as a global leader in clean tech manufacturing, fostering self-reliance toward a Net-Zero and Viksit Bharat. 

The forum will focus on six foundational themes 

• Clean energy generation and storage
• Manufacturing for Net-Zero
• E-mobility and green transportation
• Climate finance and investment mobilization
• Industrial decarbonization and clean energy transition
• Building partnerships for climate action and leadership

‘UTKARSH’

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Recently, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) launched ‘Utkarsh’, a Multi-Purpose Vessel for the Indian Navy, at L&T, Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai.

More on the News

• Utkarsh (meaning – superior in conduct) is the second of the two Multi-Purpose Vessels built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy.

• In March 2022, a contract for two Multi-Purpose Vessels was signed between the Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Shipyard. 

• These two vessels are SAMARTHAK and UTKARSH.

• The launch of Utkarsh reinforces India’s naval strength and serves as a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing.  

Key Features of Utkarsh

• The Vessel is 106 m long, 18.6-meter-wide and is designed to achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots.
• It will be capable of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating unmanned autonomous vehicles and acting as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development. 

Nag Mk 2 Missile

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Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that the ‘Nag Mk 2’ and the entire system was ready for induction into the Army following successful field firing trials.

About Nag Mk 2 Missiles

• It is an indigenously developed third-generation Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
• The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

Features of the Missile 

• This missile is equipped with infrared technology that locks onto targets before launch ensuring precision strikes.

• The missile’s first successful test was conducted in 1990. Trials in 2017, 2018, and 2019 incorporated technological advancements. 

• It operates on advanced fire-and-forget technology.

• This all-weather missile travels at a speed of 230 metres per second. 

• The missile is 6 feet 1 inch long and weighs approximately 45 kilograms.