Current Affairs - Technology - Discussion

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in March 2026 to collaborate on the development of satellite systems and payloads designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). This partnership focuses on building advanced satellite platforms capable of operating at altitudes between 100 and 450 kilometers above Earth. Satellites operating in VLEO offer several advantages, including higher-resolution Earth observation, lower communication latency, and improved atmospheric and climate data collection. Additionally, the natural orbital decay in VLEO reduces long-term space debris risks and lowers launch and operational costs compared to traditional orbits like LEO, MEO, and GEO.