Two new facilities, recently opened by Pixxel and Apple, underline the continuing attraction to technology companies of the Indian market in general and the city of Bengaluru in particular.
Pixxel, a specialist in hyperspectral earth-imaging technology inaugurated its first spacecraft manufacturing facility (called MegaPixxel) in Bengaluru this week.
The new facility, spanning more than 30,000 square feet, consolidates all satellite manufacturing services, providing a comprehensive spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) facility under one roof.
The facility, Pixxel says, will ensure a streamlined production process from concept to launch — providing a space for Pixxel’s satellites to be designed from scratch, manufactured, integrated and tested for launch conditions before being shipped to a launch site.
At full capacity, the facility is equipped to handle more than 20 satellites simultaneously that can be turned around within a timeframe of six months, making a total capacity of 40 large satellites per year possible.
The space is uniquely designed, with two modern clean rooms of ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 that safeguard against contaminants that could impair satellite functionality during the satellite assembly and integration process.
Additionally, it houses labs for advanced camera integration, electronics R&D, and electrical assembly, along with a mechanical workshop, a mission control room, and an office space that can accommodate more than 200 employees.
Pixxel’s facility will also feature a wastewater treatment plant to help conserve water and reduce water dependency as well as smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to further enhance energy efficiency and minimise carbon footprint.
Meanwhile Apple has opened its latest Indian office in Bengaluru, underlining its commitment to the world’s second-largest smartphone market – and its divergence outside of China.
The new Apple office will house up to 1,200 employees and comprises 15 floors, dedicated lab space, and areas for collaboration and wellness.
This is the latest addition to Apple’s corporate office footprint across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Gurugram. The company has nearly 3,000 employees in India.
