India's new wave of space technology startups catch investors' interest

Rapid growth of low earth orbit satellites fuelling space boom

From companies building palm-sized satellites to those aiming to propel satellites into space using cleaner fuels, a new wave of space technology start-ups are mushrooming in India, catching the attention of investors keen to join the space race.

Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace, which wants to propel satellites into orbit using electric and non-toxic chemical thrusters, has raised $3 million from a group of investors, co-founder Yashas Karanam told Reuters.

Venture capital fund IDFC Parampara is leading Bellatrix's pre-Series A round. The family office of Suman Kant Munjal, who belongs to the billionaire family that controls Indian motorcycle maker Hero MotoCorp, and Deepika Padukone,