Pixxel, a hyperspectral Earth-imaging technology company, has launched Aurora, an Earth Observation (EO) studio aimed at making remote sensing analysis accessible to a broad audience. Aurora provides a platform for user groups to access, interpret, and utilize EO data. Developed in-house, it offers a vast archive of open-source and commercial remote sensing datasets, with plans to integrate Pixxel’s hyperspectral imagery by the end of 2024.
Aurora is designed to remove barriers to entry in Earth observation analysis by offering a no-code environment where users can visualize and compare satellite imagery, customize workflows, and implement analytical models quickly. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations in agriculture, forestry, mining, climate technology, and energy, allowing them to incorporate Earth observation data seamlessly into their operations.
The platform includes several indices for specific applications, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for assessing vegetation health, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for estimating water surface area, and the Oil Spill Index (OSI) for detecting oil spills. These tools provide crucial data for monitoring environmental conditions and mitigating hazards.
Aurora also offers various models through its marketplace, including the Forest Above-Ground Biomass Model for monitoring forest health and carbon stocks, and the Water Quality Index Model for evaluating water quality. Additionally, the Crop Bio-parameters Model supports precision agriculture by providing insights into crop health, while the Change Detection Model tracks land use changes and disaster impacts.
Pixxel has emphasized that Aurora delivers accurate and relevant data tailored to compliance and business needs across different industries. Future updates to Aurora will further enhance its capabilities, allowing for data fusion across extensive Areas of Interest (AOIs) and integrating hyperspectral data with other EO datasets for more comprehensive analyses.
In addition to the launch of Aurora, Pixxel is preparing to deploy six commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, known as “Fireflies,” within the year. These satellites are expected to enhance the platform’s data offerings and provide users with even more detailed and precise Earth observation capabilities.
