Success Story: From a College Shed to Space – Bellatrix Aerospace Takes Off with Abdul Kalam’s Support

New Delhi: Dreams don’t let you sleep—they drive you forward. This philosophy guided Rohan Ganapathy as he envisioned an engine that could reach space. Together with his family friend Yashas Karanam, Rohan co-founded Bellatrix Aerospace, a company that has now become a recognized name in India’s commercial space sector, boasting multi-crore turnover.

Humble Beginnings
Like many startups, Bellatrix Aerospace began modestly—in a small college shed. Rohan started the company in 2012, while pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Hindustan College, Coimbatore. There, he conceived an innovative electric propulsion system capable of using water as fuel. His groundbreaking idea earned him a chance to present a research paper at NASA, where he met his childhood heroes, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Abdul Kalam’s Support
The news of Rohan’s work caught the attention of India’s former President and renowned scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Impressed by Rohan’s vision, Dr. Kalam not only praised his efforts but also provided a recommendation letter, which helped Rohan secure his first grant from JSW Steel.

From Idea to Implementation
During college, Rohan had already built a skilled technical team. However, he needed a partner with business acumen. Enter Yashas Karanam, Rohan’s family friend who was then in high school in Mysuru. Enthralled by the idea, Yashas joined the venture and became co-founder and COO of Bellatrix Aerospace.

With the initial grant, Rohan and Yashas set up a small shed in Coimbatore, working late nights to transform their idea into reality. Over 130 experiments were conducted to validate their propulsion system. A turning point came when Yashas met A.S. Kiran Kumar, then Chairman of ISRO, at a convocation ceremony. Impressed by their water-based thruster tests, Kumar offered assistance and placed an order—but only if the company was officially registered. This led to the formal establishment of Bellatrix Aerospace in 2015.

Achievements and Innovations
Today, Bellatrix Aerospace is the first Indian company to develop high-performance green propulsion alternatives and hall-effect thrusters with integrated heater-less hollow cathodes for commercial satellites. Their innovations, which were previously imported, earned national awards from both the President and Prime Minister of India.

Financial Growth
The company started with a modest investment of ₹20–25 lakh, primarily through initial funding rounds. By FY 2025, operational revenue reached around $1 million (≈₹89 crore). Bellatrix aims to quadruple revenue in FY 2026, signaling a strong upward trajectory in India’s private space industry.

Conclusion
From a small college shed to launching green propulsion technology into the skies, Bellatrix Aerospace stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and mentorship. With the guidance of legends like Dr. Abdul Kalam and the determination of its founders, the company is charting India’s path to space innovation.