Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bellatrix Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite systems. VLEO refers to orbits between 150 km and 450 km above the Earth. The partnership aims to build indigenous satellite platforms for defence and civilian uses. Because VLEO satellites face atmospheric drag, they need advanced propulsion to stay in orbit. Their closeness to Earth gives sharper imaging and faster signal transmission, and a failed satellite is pulled down to burn up in the atmosphere, reducing space debris.