Pixxel and Exotrail Announce Electric Propulsion Contract to Power Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites

Paris, France, Bengaluru, India – February 17^th 2026: Pixxel, a planetary intelligence company that builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced imaging satellites, today announced a partnership with Exotrail, a France-based electric propulsion provider, to equip its space infrastructure with Exotrail’s top-tier spaceware™ propulsion systems. 

This announcement was made on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the India-France innovation year, highlighting growing technological collaboration between the two nations.

Building Scalable Space Infrastructure Together

Under this agreement, Pixxel will integrate Exotrail’s spaceware™ electric propulsion systems across its upcoming satellite deployments, with deliveries extending through 2027. The systems will support Pixxel’s expanding Earth Observation constellation and broader space infrastructure roadmap.

Pixxel’s constellation is designed to deliver high-resolution Earth Observation data globally, enabling deeper insights into climate, resources, and industrial activity.

Exotrail’s spaceware™ portfolio includes space-proven modular Hall-Effect electric propulsion systems designed for satellites ranging from 10 to 1,000 kg. The spaceware™ propulsion system selected by Pixxel, with a compact form factor, enables Pixxel to prioritise its advanced payload in the design of its platforms without compromising performance.

With significant in-orbit firing hours and cycle heritage, spaceware™ systems are currently deployed across multiple missions worldwide. Their thrust efficiency and modularity support improved satellite deployment strategies, operational flexibility, and responsible end-of-life management.

A collaboration that fuels the Indian-French dynamic in space

This agreement was announced on February 17^th, during the inauguration of the India-France innovation year in Mumbai, attended by the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi.

Space remains a key pillar of cooperation between France and India. This partnership reflects the growing role of private space companies in strengthening that relationship and advancing commercial Earth observation capabilities.

Both Pixxel and Exotrail work closely with their respective national space ecosystems, and this collaboration underscores the increasing alignment between Indian and French space innovation at a time of expanding global demand for satellite infrastructure.

Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Pixxel as a new customer of Exotrail, at a timely moment in the Indian-French innovation relation. Partnering with this new generation Earth Observation key stakeholder is a success for Exotrail, and validates that thespa™ systems are a world-class propulsion offer, at the service of growing space infrastructure and the dynamic Earth Observation market – which Pixxel embodies.”

‍Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, adds: “As we expand our satellite infrastructure, propulsion becomes central to mission flexibility and long-term performance. Partnering with Exotrail strengthens our roadmap for scalable, efficient space systems, while also reflecting the growing collaboration between the Indian and French space ecosystems.”