Hall-effect thruster (HET), on Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C55 that is set for launch 

Space startup Bellatrix Aerospace is set to test its innovative electric propulsion system for satellites onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket. The test will take place as part of a satellite mission scheduled for later this year, marking a major milestone for the Bangalore-based startup.

Bellatrix Aerospace was founded in 2015 by Rohan M Ganapathy and Yashas Karanam, two young engineers from India’s prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The startup is focused on developing cost-effective propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft, with a particular emphasis on electric propulsion.

Electric propulsion systems are seen as a game-changer for the satellite industry, as they offer several advantages over traditional chemical propulsion systems. They are more efficient, which means they can carry more payload while using less fuel, and they can operate for longer periods of time, which is particularly useful for deep-space missions.

The upcoming test will see Bellatrix’s electric propulsion system being used to maneuver a satellite in orbit, a critical capability for any satellite. If successful, it could pave the way for more widespread adoption of electric propulsion systems in the satellite industry.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on this mission,” said Rohan M Ganapathy, co-founder and CEO of Bellatrix Aerospace. “Electric propulsion is the future of satellite propulsion, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this technology.”

Bellatrix Aerospace is one of several Indian startups that are pushing the boundaries of space technology. With the Indian government actively promoting entrepreneurship in the space sector, there has never been a better time for startups to enter the industry.

“We believe that the future of the space industry lies in the hands of innovative startups like Bellatrix Aerospace,” said an ISRO official. “We are excited to see what they can achieve, and we look forward to working with them on future missions.”

By The Impactlab