South Korean optical payload developer TelePIX and Indian propulsion specialist Bellatrix Aerospace are partnering on a geospatial demonstration mission slated for 2028, according to SpaceNews. The joint effort aims to test imaging capabilities in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), a challenging orbital regime that requires specialized propulsion to counteract atmospheric drag. Bellatrix Aerospace, an Indian startup focused on in-space mobility and propulsion systems, is expected to provide the maneuvering technology, while TelePIX, known for developing high-resolution optical payloads, will supply the imaging hardware. The collaboration points to a growing interest among commercial space operators in exploiting VLEO for enhanced Earth observation.

The technical calculus of very low Earth orbit

Operating in VLEO presents distinct aerodynamic challenges. At these lower altitudes, residual atmospheric particles create significant drag, which rapidly degrades a satellite's orbit unless it is equipped with continuous or highly efficient propulsion. The reported use of air-breathing technology suggests an approach where the propulsion system ingests these sparse atmospheric gases to generate thrust, potentially extending mission lifespans without the need to carry heavy conventional chemical propellants.

If successful, the 2028 demonstration could validate a new operational model for geospatial imaging. Satellites positioned closer to the Earth's surface can capture higher-resolution imagery using smaller, less expensive optical payloads compared to those required in standard low Earth orbit. The partnership between an Indian propulsion firm and a South Korean optics developer also reflects a broader trend of bilateral commercial space cooperation in Asia, as specialized regional firms combine their respective hardware capabilities to tackle complex orbital architectures.

Whether the air-breathing propulsion system can sustain long-term operations in the dense VLEO environment remains to be tested. As the 2028 launch window approaches, the mission's development will offer a practical gauge of how emerging space companies are balancing the aerodynamic penalties of low-altitude flight against the benefits of high-fidelity Earth observation.

With reporting from SpaceNews.

Source · SpaceNews