What is Project 200?

About Project 200:

• It is an innovative satellite designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km-250 km).
• It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup.
• Traditionally, satellites have been deployed in orbits at altitudes well above 450 km.
  • This altitude choice has been influenced by various considerations, such as the desire to minimise the impact of atmospheric interference on satellite operations.
• Though it is known that a satellite’s capabilities improve significantly at 200 km,limitations on propulsion technology have prevented satellites from operating at this orbit. 
• Project 200 is a technology demonstration mission to qualify a new unconventional satellite powered by an innovative propulsion system (developed in-house) at around 200 km.
  • Bellatrix Aerospace stated that their cutting-edge propulsion technology enables satellites to maintain 200 km orbits for years, rather than deorbiting in a few days.
• According to Bellatrix, at 200 km, a satellite’s capability would improve significantly since the communication latency is reduced by half and image resolution is improved by three times.
  • The cost of the satellite is also less when compared to spacecraft placed in 450 km orbits.

Q1: What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Low Earth orbit (LEO) encompasses Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less. This orbit is considered near enough to Earth for convenient transportation, communication, observation, and resupply.

Source: Bengaluru start-up unveils satellite to operate at ultra-low earth orbit