South Korea-based TelePIX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace to jointly develop a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Earth observation satellite, with a technology demonstration launch planned for 2028.
The two companies signed the agreement at TelePIX’s satellite payload development facility, SpaceLab, in Daejeon, South Korea.
Under the partnership, TelePIX will integrate its optical payload, Chouette, with Bellatrix Aerospace’s Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion-powered satellite platform to develop a satellite capable of operating in VLEO, typically between 150 km and 250 km above Earth.
“We are excited to partner with TelePIX, whose innovative wide-swath optical payload technology is exceptionally well-suited for VLEO missions,” said Rohan M Ganapathy, CEO of Bellatrix Aerospace. He added that commercially viable VLEO constellations would require larger satellite platforms and advances in propulsion technology.
The collaboration seeks to address growing demand for high-resolution Earth observation data across sectors such as defence, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.
By operating closer to Earth than conventional Low Earth Orbit satellites, VLEO systems can deliver sharper imaging. However, lower altitudes also create stronger atmospheric drag, which requires propulsion systems capable of sustaining long-term operations.
As part of the agreement, Bellatrix Aerospace will provide the satellite platform, including propulsion, thermal control, power, and attitude control systems. TelePIX will contribute its Chouette optical payload and support system integration.
The companies said they will also collaborate on launch operations, early orbit activities, and satellite mission management. Following in-orbit validation, they plan to explore constellation-scale deployments and commercial VLEO missions.
TelePIX said Chouette has been designed for VLEO environments and offers a wide-swath imaging system with more than double the observation width of comparable satellites currently available. The company also plans to use its AI-based image processing technology alongside the payload.
“VLEO satellites are emerging as a key segment of the next-generation high-resolution Earth observation market, and advanced satellite operation technologies are essential for stable long-term operations,” said Seongick Cho, CEO of TelePIX.
He added that the company plans to extend TelePIX’s optical payload technology into the VLEO domain while strengthening the foundation for global market expansion through this partnership.
The partnership also reflects growing cooperation between India’s private space ecosystem and international NewSpace firms. India has seen rising private-sector participation in the space industry following regulatory reforms and market liberalisation.
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