Space start-up Bellatrix Aerospace will help South Korean space company TelePIX in an upcoming Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite mission.
The TelePIX and Bellatrix will custom develop a VLEO Earth observation satellite around the Choulette payload, aimed at securing high-quality geospatial data.
Under the partnership, the TelePIX’s high-resolution wide-swath optical payload Chouette will be integrated with the Bellatrix Aerospace’s VLEO satellite platform powered by Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP).
The Bellatrix will provide the satellite bus, including propulsion, power, thermal control and attitude control systems, while TelePIX will supply the optical payload and support system integration
The VLEO satellites operate at altitudes of approximately 150 km to 250 km, lower than conventional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Their closer proximity to the Earth enables significantly higher-resolution imaging capabilities. Industry experts expect the VLEO market to grow rapidly in the coming years, particularly for defence, precision observation, and disaster monitoring applications.
However, the VLEO environment presents significant atmospheric drag, making high-efficiency propulsion technology essential for long-term operation.
The TelePIX said that Chouette has been designed with a form factor optimised specifically for the VLEO environments, unlike conventional optical payloads currently on the market. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to realise a satellite system capable of stable operations even in the VLEO conditions.
The Chouette features a wide-swath optical imaging system with more than twice the observation width of comparable satellites currently on the market. Combined with the TelePIX’s proprietary AI-based image processing technology, the payload is designed for applications across defence, disaster response, and environmental monitoring sectors.
The companies are targeting a 2028 launch and mission commencement and will also cooperate on launch operations, early orbit operations, and overall satellite mission management.
“While a small, low-drag satellite may be sufficient for an initial technology demonstration mission, deploying meaningful payloads and building commercially viable constellations in the VLEO will require larger satellite platforms supported by significant advancements in propulsion technology. Operating constellations in the VLEO has the potential to deliver game-changing improvements in optical imaging resolution compared to conventional LEO systems today,” Rohan M. Ganapathy, CEO, Bellatrix Aerospace said.
Published - June 01, 2026 07:19 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
