One notable event in the Indian space industry is that Bengaluru-based space tech firm Bellatrix Aerospace has achieved a milestone by raising $20 million (approximately 170 crore) in its pre-series B funding round. The funding was led by Cactus Partners and included new and existing investors such as Hero Investment Office and Inflexor.
Bellatrix, which was founded in 2015, specialises in developing high-tech propulsion systems, which are essentially the “engines” of satellites that enable them to move and maintain their correct orbit.
With the increasing demand for satellite constellations and the large number of satellites used in unison worldwide, the company is looking to expand its manufacturing operations with the new funds. According to their CEO, Rohan Ganapathy, they would be able to manufacture more of their systems to meet the orders of their Indian and international customers.
This success is timed perfectly for the Indian space industry. The Indian government has been actively pushing to move beyond just government projects by ISRO, paving the way for private companies to lead the way in innovation.
Bellatrix is also positioning itself as a key global player in the private space race with its expansion of production capacity and its presence in both India and the United States. This round of funding not only validates their technology, which includes eco-friendly and electric propulsion, but also puts India on the map for cost-effective high-tech manufacturing.
