BEL & Bellatrix Aerospace Sign MoU to Develop Satellite Systems for VLEO Operations

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), an Indian aerospace and defence company, and Bellatrix Aerospace, a space technology firm specialising in satellite propulsion systems and subsystems, signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads.

The collaboration brought together BEL, with experience in developing advanced electronics and mission‑critical payloads for defence and strategic applications, and Bellatrix Aerospace’s innovative capabilities in satellite propulsion and satellite subsystems. By combining their complementary strengths, the partnership aims to advance indigenous capabilities in satellite platforms designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations, the company said in a statement.

The partnership is expected to be transformational in accelerating innovation and strengthening India’s capabilities in building next‑generation satellite systems for VLEO. As space continues to play an increasingly strategic role, BEL said that partnering with innovative deep‑tech startups like Bellatrix will allow it to combine its expertise in defence electronics with emerging space technologies. Such collaborations are considered essential to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in the evolving space sector.

Together, the two companies plan to develop integrated satellite solutions that would support India’s strategic and civilian space missions. Rohan M Ganapathy, CEO and CTO of Bellatrix Aerospace, said, “VLEO opens up a new frontier for high‑performance satellite missions, but it demands technologies built for that environment. This collaboration brings together complementary capabilities to accelerate the development of satellites designed specifically for sustained operations in VLEO.”