Bengaluru-Based Bellatrix Aerospace Expands to US with New VP

Bellatrix Aerospace, a satellite propulsion manufacturer based in Bengaluru, has expanded operations to the United States with the launch of a Delaware-based subsidiary. 

Chris MacDonald, a space and energy sector veteran with over 17 years of experience, has been appointed vice president to lead the US expansion. The move marks the company’s first physical presence in the American market.

In his post on LinkedIn, MacDonald has hinted at plans to launch a US-based manufacturing facility in the coming months.

The expansion aims to cater to the growing US commercial space industry. The company has already signed a memorandum of understanding with a major satellite manufacturer to serve as its preferred propulsion partner. 

Bellatrix is positioning itself as a key player in the sector, leveraging its experience from three successful propulsion missions and its in-space mobility technology.

“Chris’s appointment marks a crucial step in our journey as we expand into the US,” said Yashas Karanam, COO and co-founder of Bellatrix Aerospace. “With our expertise in propulsion, reliability, and repeatable process excellence, our products are a perfect fit for the US satellite constellations.”

MacDonald, formerly with Terran Orbital and Astra, said the move comes at a pivotal time. “As Bellatrix expands into the US, we bring heritage and a proven ability to execute with us,” he said. “Beyond offering a reliable propulsion solution, we are committed to being a trusted partner in achieving mission success.”

Bellatrix Aerospace has been developing sustainable satellite propulsion technologies since its founding in India. 

It was the first in the country to build high-performance green propulsion alternatives and integrate heater-less hollow cathodes in Hall-effect thrusters for commercial use. The company has also collaborated with ISRO and other global players in space innovation.

In a recent interview with AIM, Karanam pointed out the significant rise in the number of space startups in India from 2012 until now. He said that companies are not only building satellite technologies but also innovating in propulsion, launch systems, and AI-driven space navigation.

Regardless of this US expansion, he believes that India is keeping engineers engaged in the country. 

“Now the opportunities are getting better here in India,” Karanam explained. “There are really exciting challenges to solve, and in terms of the trade-off, people went abroad because of better projects and financial incentives. But if you are paid well here, you could visit those countries while still building in India.”

Founded in 2015 by Rohan M Ganapathy and Karanam, this startup has raised $11.3 million over four funding rounds with notable investors including Inflexor, Pavestone, StartupXseed, GrowX, BASF, and actor Deepika Padukone.