SOURCE: AFI
In a bold step toward global expansion, Bengaluru-based space technology startup Bellatrix Aerospace has announced plans to establish a propulsion systems manufacturing facility in Delaware, USA, to serve the burgeoning U.S. commercial space market. The move, unveiled on April 11, 2025, underscores India’s growing influence in the global aerospace sector and positions Bellatrix as a key player in sustainable space propulsion technology.
Bellatrix has already secured a significant partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a prominent U.S. satellite manufacturer, positioning itself as their preferred propulsion partner. While details of the partner remain undisclosed, this collaboration highlights confidence in Bellatrix’s innovative technologies, which include high-performance green propulsion systems and electric Hall-effect thrusters. These systems, known for their reliability and cost-efficiency, are tailored to meet the demands of modern satellite constellations.
Founded in 2015 at the Indian Institute of Science, Bellatrix has built a strong reputation for developing sustainable propulsion alternatives, including the world’s first heater-less hollow cathode in Hall-effect thrusters and green propellants that replace toxic hydrazine. With three successful space missions under its belt, including collaborations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the company has demonstrated its expertise in delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions. “Expanding into the U.S. has always been one of our top priorities, and with three consecutive successful propulsion missions, we believe our expertise in propulsion, reliability, and repeatable process excellence is a perfect fit for the rapidly growing U.S. commercial market,” said Yashas Karanam, COO and Co-Founder of Bellatrix Aerospace.
To spearhead its U.S. operations, Bellatrix has appointed Chris MacDonald, a seasoned space industry veteran with over 17 years of experience, as Vice President. MacDonald, who previously held roles at Terran Orbital and Astra and founded a satellite telecommunications company, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion. “We’re bringing Bellatrix’s cutting-edge satellite propulsion tech stateside, with plans to launch a U.S.-based manufacturing facility in the coming months,” he shared in a LinkedIn post. “With industry-leading lead times, cutting-edge propulsion systems, and unmatched cost-efficiency, Bellatrix is redefining what’s possible in space propulsion.”
The Delaware facility will focus on localized production, testing, and delivery of propulsion systems, enabling faster turnaround times and closer collaboration with U.S. customers. This move aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient propulsion solutions in the U.S., driven by the rise of satellite constellations for communication, Earth observation, and other applications. Bellatrix’s green propulsion technologies, such as the Rudra series, offer significant cost reductions—up to 60% in handling costs compared to hydrazine-based systems—while prioritizing environmental safety.
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