Indian Space technology startups Bellatrix Aerospace and Dhruva Space, have each signed a memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Larsen & Toubro(L&T) to boost their efforts to address the increasing demand for affordable access to space.
The agreements were signed during the Dubai Expo 2020.
- Bellatrix Aerospace was the first private Indian company to develop and test a hall effect thruster, a type of ion thruster in which the propellant is accelerated by an electric field.
- Dhruva Space is a developer of satellites and launch platforms.
MoU between Bellatrix and L&T:
i.This partnership will allow Bellatrix to work with L&T to build great products for the world.
ii.This collaboration will leverage the L&T’s capabilities in catering for the Indian space programmes and the advanced propulsion and allied technologies of Bellatrix, to enable cost-effective and sustainable access to space.
iii.This MoU will enable Bellatrix to scale up and expedite making its products available in the market.
Additional info:
i.Bellatrix and Dhruva have signed an MoU for Space qualification of its Thrusters and developed a ‘space Taxi’ for hurling multiple satellites into orbit on a single launch vehicle.
ii.Bellatrix has also partnered with Skyroot Aerospace, involved in building affordable small satellite launch vehicles, for its orbital transfer vehicle.
iii.It has also signed an MoU with SatSure, a space-based earth observation company to provide propulsion systems for its small satellites which are set to be launched into lower earth orbit in December 2022.
Alternative Fuels for Rockets:
i.Bellatrix was the first firm in the world to develop a Microwave Plasma Thruster which uses water as a fuel, which bagged an order from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
ii.The company is also working on developing alternative fuels for rockets at its propulsion lab at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
Recent Related News:
Skyroot Aerospace, a Space technology startup, becomes the first private company to formally sign a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Space (DOS).
- Under this agreement, the startup company can undertake multiple tests and access facilities at various ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) centres.
About Larsen & Toubro (L&T):
Group Chairman– A. M. Naik
MD & CEO– S. N. Subrahmanyan
Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra
