Bengaluru space start-up Bellatrix Aerospace reports success of its payloads launched on ISRO’s POEM-3

Bengaluru space start-up Bellatrix Aerospace reports success of its payloads launched on ISRO’s POEM-3. Two payloads developed by Bengaluru-based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace which was launched by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) PSLV-C58 mission on January 1 are now space qualified.

Bengaluru space start-up Bellatrix Aerospace reports success of its payloads launched on ISRO’s POEM-3. Two payloads developed by Bengaluru-based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace which was launched by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) PSLV-C58 mission on January 1 are now space qualified.

The payloads Arka 200 and Rudra onboard PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) were among the 10 payloads launched during the mission.

The start-up’s accomplishment was confirmed by ISRO which in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “ISRO’s POEM platform enables an Indian space start-up to validate its innovation. @BellatrixAero validates Rudra green propulsion system and Arka electric engines, towards satellite missions with eco-friendly tech. Time to rejoice the success of Indian innovation!”

Bellatrix Aerospace said the company earlier had tested India’s first privately developed Hall Effect Thruster (Arka) in 2021 and subsequently unveiled the nation’s first High Performance Green Propulsion system (Rudra) in 2022, representing significant milestones in Indian space technology.

According to the start-up Rudra green propulsion system is a game-changer, replacing hazardous hydrazine with a non-toxic, environmentally friendly high-performing proprietary propellant.

“This innovative technology minimizes the environmental impact of toxic propellants, aligning India’s space program with the global push for sustainable exploration. Rudra is ideal for satellite missions with high thrust requirements,” Bellatrix said. Likewise Arka electric engine utilizes electricity instead of conventional chemical propellants.

These engines offer superior fuel efficiency and more precise control, paving the way for longer-lasting and more manoeuvrable satellites. The start-up says Arka is ideal for satellite missions with high efficiency requirements.