New Delhi: Korean space AI solutions company TelePix has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian New Space startup
Bellatrix Aerospace towards an innovative Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite mission. The partnership will see the integration of the high-resolution wide-swatch payload developed by TelePIX called ‘Chouette’ with VLEO satellite platform of Bellatrix, powered by Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP). The satellite will allow for persistent, high-resolution Earth Observation from a unique Very Low Earth Orbit, at altitudes between 150 and 250 km. The two companies plan to validate an integrated VLEO mission through technology demonstration mission launched in 2028.
TelePIX has developed the Chouette payload with a form factor optimised for operations in the VLEO regime, unlike conventional optical payloads on the market. The two companies aim to realise reliable, stable satellite operations in VLEO conditions through the collaboration. Seongick Cho, CEO of TelePIX, said, “VLEO satellites are emerging as a key segment of the next-generation high-resolution Earth observation market, and advanced satellite operation technologies are essential for stable long-term operations. Through our collaboration with Bellatrix, we plan to extend TelePIX’s optical payload technology into the VLEO domain while strengthening the foundation for global market expansion.”
Advantages of VLEO orbits
The two companies are also exploring opportunities for constellation-scale deployments and commercial VLEO missions following the successful orbital validation. Bellatrix has previously signed an agreement with BEL over VLEO satellites, for its Project 200 series of satellites that is designed for a unique operational regime. VLEO satellites operate at lower orbits than conventional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, with the increased proximity to the surface allowing the payloads on board to image the Earth in higher resolution. However, the satellites also encounter more drag, so they need to continuously scoop up the fuel to maintain their altitudes.
Rohan M. Ganapathy, CEO of Bellatrix Aerospace, also added, “We are excited to partner with TelePIX, whose innovative wide-swath optical payload technology is exceptionally well suited for VLEO missions. While a small, low-drag satellite may be sufficient for an initial technology demonstration mission, deploying meaningful payloads and building commercially viable constellations in VLEO will require larger satellite platforms supported by significant advancements in propulsion technology. Operating constellations in VLEO has the potential to deliver game-changing improvements in optical imaging resolution compared to conventional LEO systems today.”
