Korea's Korea's space AI solutions company TelePIX has partnered with Bengaluru based space propulsion startup Bellatrix Aerospace for a next-generation very low earth orbit (VLEO) satellite mission.

TelePIX and Bellatrix will custom develop a VLEO Earth observation satellite around TelePIX’s high-resolution optical payload “Chouette,” which currently under development, with Bellatrix’s VLEO satellite platform equipped with its proprietary Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion system. Bellatrix will provide the satellite bus, including propulsion, power, thermal control, and attitude control systems, while TelePIX will supply the optical payload and support system integration.

While commenting on the association, 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.”

VLEO satellites operate at altitudes of approximately 150-250 km, lower than conventional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

“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” Rohan M. Ganapathy, CEO of Bellatrix Aerospace, said.

The companies are targeting a 2028 launch and mission commencement, and will also cooperate on launch operations, early orbit operations, and overall satellite mission management. They further plan to explore opportunities for future satellite constellation deployments and expanded commercial missions.

This collaboration also marks an expansion of TelePIX’s optical payload capabilities from traditional LEO applications into the VLEO domain. In addition, the company plans to strengthen cooperation with India’s rapidly growing Newspace ecosystem and expand its presence in overseas markets. India has recently emerged as a major global Newspace hub following the liberalization of its private space industry.

TelePIX currently operates three products in orbit, including its self-developed AI CubeSat “BlueBON,” and has established capabilities in satellite image processing and mission operations.

has partnered with Bengaluru based space propulsion startup Bellatrix Aerospace for a next-generation very low earth orbit (VLEO) satellite mission.

TelePIX and Bellatrix will custom develop a VLEO Earth observation satellite around TelePIX’s high-resolution optical payload “Chouette,” which currently under development, with Bellatrix’s VLEO satellite platform equipped with its proprietary Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion system. Bellatrix will provide the satellite bus, including propulsion, power, thermal control, and attitude control systems, while TelePIX will supply the optical payload and support system integration.

While commenting on the association, 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.”

VLEO satellites operate at altitudes of approximately 150-250 km, lower than conventional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

 “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” Rohan M. Ganapathy, CEO of Bellatrix Aerospace, said.

The companies are targeting a 2028 launch and mission commencement, and will also cooperate on launch operations, early orbit operations, and overall satellite mission management. They further plan to explore opportunities for future satellite constellation deployments and expanded commercial missions.

This collaboration also marks an expansion of TelePIX’s optical payload capabilities from traditional LEO applications into the VLEO domain. In addition, the company plans to strengthen cooperation with India’s rapidly growing Newspace ecosystem and expand its presence in overseas markets. India has recently emerged as a major global Newspace hub following the liberalization of its private space industry.

TelePIX currently operates three products in orbit, including its self-developed AI CubeSat “BlueBON,” and has established capabilities in satellite image processing and mission operations.