Bellatrix Aerospace expands US footprint with eyes on manufacturing

India’s deep-tech space startup Bellatrix Aerospace is officially going global. The Bengaluru-based company has launched operations in the United States as part of its strategy to strengthen its international footprint and support future manufacturing capabilities. The start-up has unveiled plans to set up propulsion systems manufacturing unit in Delaware to cater to the US market.

Besides, Bellatrix has hired a founder of a satellite telecommunications company- Chris MacDonald, as its vice president to lead its US operations.

In a recent LinkedIn post MacDonald said: "We're bringing Bellatrix's cutting-edge satellite propulsion tech stateside, with plans to launch a US-based manufacturing facility in the coming months.”

Bellatrix has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the prominent US satellite manufacturers to be their preferred propulsion partner. The company has not given any details about its ‘preferred partner’ yet.

This move comes as Bellatrix prepares to launch its flagship satellite propulsion system in Q4 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s private space tech landscape.

Co-founder and CTO Yashas Karanam said: “Expanding into the US 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 US commercial market and our products are a perfect fit for the US satellite constellations. We are currently executing contracts with clients from the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and have a strong pipeline of orders.”

Bellatrix Aerospace manufactures sustainable space propulsion systems and was the first to develop high-performance green propulsion alternatives in India and integrated heater-less hollow cathodes in Hall-effect thrusters for commercial use globally.

The company has space-qualified technologies with three successful missions and works with ISRO and leading global commercial players to drive innovation in space exploration and satellite operations.

Founded in 2015 at IISc Bangalore, Bellatrix has made waves in green propulsion technology and has raised over $11 million to date and this US expansion is not just about market access but scaling innovation on a global stage.