Technical Specifications
Provider Pixxel
Satellites 3 in orbit (24 planned)
Resolution 5 metres
Swath width 40km
Bands 2nm - 11nm Range: 450nm - 900nm, 161 hyperspectral bands
Total available bands: ~150+ bands Total selectable bands: ~50 bands
Range 450nm - 900nm, 161 hyperspectral bands
Total available bands ~150+ bands
Total selectable bands ~50 bands
Revisit time 1 to 4 days
Altitude 565km
Orbit Sun Synchronous Orbit, 97.65° inclination
Cloud cover thresholds <20%
Expected Launch 3 Additional planned for launch Q2 2025

Fireflies Constellation

The Fireflies are the highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites currently available, offering a 5-meter resolution. The first three satellites in the Fireflies constellation were launched on January 15, 2025. Additional satellites are in development, with three more scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2025.

The first three Firefly satellites in the constellation were launched in January 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 rideshare mission. These satellites are equipped with sensors capable of capturing hyperspectral imagery across more than 150 bands. An additional three Firefly satellites are scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2025, with plans to expand the constellation to a total of 18 satellites over time (24 when including the Honeybee satellites). Once fully deployed, the constellation is expected to provide daily coverage of the entire global landmass.

As of January 2025, the Firefly constellation is recognized as the highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellite constellation in the world.

Features and Benefits

  • Advanced Hyperspectral Imaging

    Firefly satellites are equipped with cutting-edge sensors capable of capturing hyperspectral imagery across up to 161 bands, offering unparalleled detail.

  • Enhanced Environmental Monitoring & Resource Mapping

    Hyperspectral data significantly improves the ability to monitor environmental changes, explore minerals, and map natural resources, particularly benefiting the agriculture sector.

  • Superior Resolution

    With a resolution six times sharper than the typical 30-meter standard of most existing hyperspectral satellites, Fireflies provide more precise and detailed imaging for various applications.

Spectral Data
Multispectral & Hyperspectral

Data with up to 161 bands for detailed analysis and insights.

Revisit Times
Frequent Revisits

Every four days for current hyperspectral imagery.

Global Coverage
Global Coverage

24-hour cycle with full Firefly constellation.

Study Case

Industry Description
Mining and Exploration

Hyperspectral imagery enhances mineral exploration and mining by detecting unique mineral signatures, mapping alteration zones, and revealing hidden geological features. It improves exploration targeting, geological mapping, and planning, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Beyond exploration, this technology supports mine monitoring, optimizing extraction, and assessing environmental impact. It aids in land rehabilitation by tracking soil health, vegetation recovery, and water quality, ensuring sustainable mining practices.

Urban Planning

Hyperspectral imagery is a powerful tool in urban planning, providing high-resolution data for analyzing land cover, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. It supports land use classification, vegetation health monitoring, impervious surface mapping, air quality assessment, and urban agriculture planning.

By identifying green spaces, monitoring air pollution, and assessing flood risks, hyperspectral data enhances urban development strategies. It also aids in optimizing urban farming initiatives and stormwater management.

Forestry Management

Hyperspectral imagery is a vital tool in forestry management, providing detailed spectral data to assess forest health, monitor vegetation changes, and support sustainable management practices. It enables species identification, early detection of tree stress, and mapping of disturbances.

Additionally, hyperspectral data supports carbon sequestration estimation, water stress assessment, and wildlife habitat mapping. It enhances forest inventory and planning, optimizing timber harvesting while ensuring conservation efforts.

Oil and Gas

Hyperspectral imagery plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, providing valuable insights for exploration, production, and environmental monitoring. It enables hydrocarbon detection, mineral mapping, and geological analysis.

Beyond exploration, this technology supports pipeline monitoring, oil spill response, and infrastructure planning by detecting leaks, encroachments, and environmental changes. It also aids in facility monitoring and flare stack emissions assessment.

Agriculture/Precision Farming

Hyperspectral imagery is a key technology in precision agriculture, providing detailed spectral data to monitor crop health, detect nutrient deficiencies, and identify diseases and pests early.

Additionally, hyperspectral sensors assist in weed identification, harvest estimation, and precision mapping, supporting better land use and farming strategies. By leveraging this technology, farmers can enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.