On January 1, 2024, Bellatrix Aerospace achieved a successful launch of its Rudra and Arka propulsion systems on board ISRO’s PSLV C-58 launch vehicle. This marked a significant milestone for Indian space technology. Prior to this, the company had conducted tests on India’s first privately developed Hall Effect Thruster (Arka) in 2021 and introduced the nation’s first High-Performance Green Propulsion system (Rudra) in 2022.

The Rudra green propulsion system is a game-changer as it replaces hazardous hydrazine with a non-toxic and environmentally friendly proprietary propellant. This innovative technology not only minimizes the environmental impact of toxic propellants but also aligns India’s space program with the global push for sustainable exploration. Rudra is particularly suitable for satellite missions with high thrust requirements.

On the other hand, the Arka electric engine is a marvel of compact design and potent thrust. It utilizes electricity instead of conventional chemical propellants, offering superior fuel efficiency and more precise control. This paves the way for longer-lasting and more maneuverable satellites, making Arka ideal for satellite missions with high-efficiency requirements.

Rohan M Ganapathy, the CEO & CTO of Bellatrix Aerospace, expressed his elation over the successful operation of both Rudra and Arka in space. He reported that the firing of Rudra resulted in a noticeable displacement of the POEM-3 platform, which was in line with their simulations. Additionally, the validation of Arka included the successful ignition and functioning of the thruster and heaterless hollow cathode. The onboard sensors confirmed the temperature, pressure, current, and voltage levels for both Arka and Rudra, assuring the payload performance in alignment with the ground test results.

Following their successful ground tests, Arka and Rudra have been continuously encouraged by Bellatrix to achieve their ultimate goal of space qualification.

This significant journey took a major step forward during the recent PSLV C-58 mission, where they not only ventured into space but also demonstrated their capabilities in challenging space environments.

Their exceptional performance now officially certifies them as space-qualified thrusters, ready to propel future spacecraft to unprecedented heights!

“By successfully qualifying two of our flagship products in a single mission, Bellatrix has made history. We are extremely grateful to ISRO, IN-SPACe, TDF, and NSIL for their support and collaboration, which has made this remarkable achievement possible. We would also like to express our gratitude to our investors for their unwavering support throughout our journey,” stated Yashas Karanam, COO of Bellatrix Aerospace.

He further added, “This successful launch is a testament to the combined efforts of the Indian space community and the increasing capabilities of private space enterprises.”