Forging new ground in very low earth orbit, BEL and Bellatrix unite to build indigenous satellite systems, strengthening India’s defence and space technology capabilities.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence public sector enterprise, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bellatrix Aerospace to jointly develop satellite systems and payloads for very low earth orbit (VLEO) operations.
The collaboration is intended to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced satellite platforms, supporting both strategic and civilian missions.
Officials said the partnership would accelerate innovation in VLEO satellite technology, an emerging regime that offers advantages in communication, Earth observation and surveillance.
By integrating BEL’s experience in electronics with Bellatrix’s satellite propulsion subsystems, the companies aim to deliver integrated satellite solutions tailored to India’s evolving space requirements.
The MoU was exchanged in Bengaluru on 5 March 2026 between BEL’s Rashmi Kathuria, General Manager (SCCS) and Unit Head at BEL-Ghaziabad, and Bellatrix Aerospace’s CEO and CTO, Rohan M Ganapathy.
The ceremony was attended by other dignitaries, including BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain, Director (Marketing) KV Suresh Kumar, Director (Other Units) Kamesh Kasana, GM (Strategic Planning) Niti Pandit, and Chief Scientist Chinnappa Rajappa Patil.
BEL, under the Ministry of Defence, manufactures a wide portfolio of over 600 products across radar, weapon systems, communication, avionics, electronic warfare and homeland security.
Bellatrix Aerospace, founded in 2015, has developed propulsion technologies, including green-chemical systems and Hall Effect Thrusters, with applications recognised by stakeholders in the US, EU, Japan, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
