8INDIAREVIEWMARCH, 2026BEL, BELLATRIX AEROSPACE SIGN MOU TO DEVELOP VLEO TECHBharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which belongs to the Indian government, has established a partnership with Bellatrix Aerospace, a small satellite company based in Bangalore, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct joint satellite technology research.The BEL Bellatrix MoU marks a significant step in BEL space partnership, bringing together BEL and Bellatrix Aerospace to advance VLEO technology, Very Low Earth Orbit satellites, and satellite propulsion, strengthening India space technology, supporting Indian space startups, and expanding defence space collaboration.The partnership will focus on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced satellite systems and payloads. The two organizations plan to use their partnership to develop satellite platforms that will support India's Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission operations.Satellites operating in VLEO typically function at altitudes between 100 and 450 kilometres, which enables them to achieve better imaging resolution, faster communication and improved atmospheric monitoring capabilities."Very Low Earth Orbit opens up a new frontier for high-performance satellite missions, but it demands technologies purpose-built for that environment. This collaboration brings together complementary capabilities to accelerate the development of satellites designed specifically for sustained operations in VLEO", stated Rohan M Ganapathy, CEO & CTO of Bellatrix Aerospace.The VLEO field has experienced increased interest during the past few years because more countries worldwide are conducting space missions. The current launch of numerous satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which extends below 1,000 kilometres, has created increasing traffic problems in that area of space.Space agencies and private companies now investigate VLEO satellite technology to solve their operational problems and create new operational possibilities. "The partnership between BEL and Bellatrix Aerospace is expected to be transformational in accelerating innovation and strengthening India's capabilities in building next-generation satellite systems for VLEO", said an official.Bellatrix Aerospace, which started operations in 2015, develops advanced satellite propulsion systems together with their subsystems. The company has worked with various space industry organizations to advance India's satellite technology development, which is part of its growing space sector. IMRThe security forces of India have started using private space startups to create satellite systems that protect essential space assets during times when global political tensions are increasing.The push for India space startups satellites is gaining momentum with Bodyguard satellites India initiatives strengthening Indian space defence technology, boosting the private space sector India, enhancing satellite security systems India, and driving deeper space startup collaboration ISRO.According to officials, government agencies and private firms have established advanced negotiations that focus on launching their first test satellite during the upcoming six months. The spacecraft will protect valuable Indian satellites by tracking and eliminating orbital threats they face.The government agencies plan to acquire and extend the technology after upcoming launches which are scheduled to take place between late this year and early next year. The military confrontation which occurred between Pakistan and India in the previous year brought about increased efforts to develop satellite systems which military forces used for their surveillance and targeting operations.A research group linked to the defence ministry reported that China had supplied Pakistan with satellite technology during the conflict, causing India to become increasingly worried about international space capabilities.The 2024 near-miss incident occurred when a foreign satellite passed within one kilometer of an Indian spacecraft which the Indian military suspected operated with military capabilities. The event demonstrated how India's expanding space surveillance system remains vulnerable to current weaknesses.Experts believe that satellite disruption threat currently exists but its potential impact is increasing. India develops both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures because China expands its space operations while conducting tests of advanced orbital maneuvers that include close-proximity operations.Startups are testing two models which include one design that uses a robotic arm to combat hostile satellites and another system that can capture and redirect dangerous small satellites. The initiative supports India's national objectives to build new space-based surveillance systems and develop ground facilities for instant monitoring and quick data transmission. IMRTOP STORIESINDIA TAPS SPACE STARTUPS FOR 'BODYGUARD' SATELLITES
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