Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Bellatrix Aerospace: From College Shed to Space Success
Bellatrix Aerospace started when Rohan Ganapathy, a college student, had an idea for a new way to power spacecraft using water.
He and his friend, Yashas Karanam, turned this idea into a company.
They built a small team and worked hard, learning as they went.
After facing challenges, they built their own technology and got their first big break when ISRO ordered their water-based thruster.
They now have a factory, expanded to the U.S., and are developing new technologies while aiming to be profitable in the next few years.
The company focuses on making space travel better with clean energy.
Bellatrix Aerospace co-founders developed the concept for an electric propulsion system in college.
The company was officially established in 2015 after securing its first order from ISRO.
Bellatrix Aerospace is the first company in India to develop high-performance green propulsion alternatives.
The startup has raised a total of $12.6 million and aims for 4X growth in FY26.
Bellatrix has expanded to over 40,000 square feet across three locations in Bengaluru and partnered with Astroscale Japan.
- Who
- Rohan Ganapathy and Yashas Karanam founded Bellatrix Aerospace.
- What
- Bellatrix Aerospace develops electric propulsion systems and other spacetech solutions.
- When
- The initial concept was developed in 2012, and Bellatrix Aerospace was officially founded in 2015.
- Where
- Started in Coimbatore, the company is now based in Bengaluru, India, with expansion to Delaware.
- Why
- To develop and commercialize advanced propulsion technologies for space, aiming for safer and more efficient fuels.
- Founders
- Rohan Ganapathy, Yashas Karanam
- Headquarters
- Bengaluru
- Founded
- 2015
- Primary focus
- Electric propulsion systems, spacetech
- Funding Raised
- $12.6 million
- FY25 Operational Revenue
- Close to $1 million
- Targeted Profitability
- Within 3 years