India's Bellatrix to develop next-gen low-flying satellite with South Korean firm

Indian space propulsion company Bellatrix Aerospace and South Korean space technology firm TelePIX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Daejeon, South Korea, to jointly develop a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite capable of capturing ultra-high-resolution images. The mission, planned for launch by 2028, will operate at altitudes between 150 to 250 kilometers above Earth, enabling sharper imagery than conventional Low Earth Orbit satellites. The partnership combines TelePIX’s Chouette optical imaging payload with Bellatrix’s proprietary VLEO satellite platform, powered by its Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion system. This system collects atmospheric particles like oxygen and nitrogen, compresses them, and uses solar-generated electric power to ionize and accelerate particles for thrust, countering atmospheric drag—a major challenge in VLEO operations. Bellatrix will provide the satellite bus, propulsion, power, thermal management, and attitude-control systems, while TelePIX contributes the optical payload and system integration. TelePIX’s Chouette payload features a wide-swath imaging system capable of observing twice the area of many comparable satellites, enhanced by AI-based image-processing technology. The satellite’s applications include military reconnaissance, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, agriculture, and climate studies. Industry experts anticipate VLEO technology as a rapidly growing segment in the space sector, driven by demand for high-resolution Earth observation data. This collaboration follows India’s recent reforms opening its space industry to private players, enabling companies like Bellatrix to partner globally and develop advanced space technologies. The project marks a significant step toward advancing satellite technology for defense, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.