Bellatrix Aerospace Secures Multi-Million-Dollar Orders, Closes In On More Deals

Spacetech startup Bellatrix Aerospace has recently secured several new contracts valued at a few million dollars and is close to finalising additional deals across both government and commercial sectors, according to co-founder and COO Yashas Karanam.

The company reportedly is in advanced negotiations and expects to finalise additional orders within the coming months, Karanam told BW Businessworld. However, he did not reveal any more details on these deals.

Founded in 2016 by Yashas Karanam and CEO Rohan Ganapathy, Bellatrix Aerospace makes advanced propulsion systems for satellite and defense applications. With a current workforce of around 100 spread across four Bengaluru-based facilities, Bellatrix plans to double its team within the next 18 months. In line with its global expansion goals, the company is also exploring new office locations in the US and Europe to support its growing international client base.

The Bengaluru-based startup’s primary customer base spans four main categories: major defense contractors, constellation companies, mid-sized satellite manufacturers that serve other businesses or bid for government contracts, and direct government clients, including Isro and global space agencies. 

Speaking on growth, Karanam shared that the company is experiencing strong customer traction, which includes receiving advance payments from clients. However, to sustain its growth and fulfill demand, Bellatrix anticipates needing additional capital.

“It would require some more capital, which we may mean planning for a round sometime next year. But then it would be a mix of customer money and investors,” he added.

So far, Bellatrix Aerospace has collectively raised USD 11 million

Bellatrix Aerospace has had a strong relationship with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) since its inception. The startup first captured Isro’s attention with a water-based electric propulsion project developed while its co-founders were still in college, eventually becoming the first startup to collaborate directly with the space agency.

Bellatrix has also worked with private players and startups in Indian spacetech ecosystem including L&T, Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, SatSure and more

Looking ahead, Bellatrix Aerospace is betting heavily on “Project 200,” which aims to launch satellites into ultra-low Earth orbit (180-250 km). This is a challenging orbit because of the thin air at the altitude, which causes satellites to quickly lose energy. Bellatrix’s innovation uses air as fuel, converting it into plasma to keep the satellite moving and extend its life. This could possibly help satellites capture images that are 9x better and provide 2x lower latency. 

With this in works, the company plans to move from providing propulsion systems to developing full-stack satellite solutions in future, combining advanced engine technology with highly aerodynamic satellite designs for longer operational durations.

“In the next three years, we want to become a major player in the satellite propulsion. And then, eventually – perhaps, in five years, we want to be the first movers in ultra-low earth satellite segment and become the first player who is setting up the entire infrastructure,” Karanam said.