BEL, Bellatrix Aerospace Sign MoU to Develop VLEO Tech

• BEL and Bellatrix Aerospace have signed an MoU to collaborate on developing satellite systems and payloads
• The partnership will focus on satellites for Very Low Earth Orbit
• The initiative aims to support next-generation satellite deployment as Low Earth Orbit becomes increasingly crowded

Bharat 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.

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“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.