Govt provides ₹116 crore to Manastu Space for indigenous green propulsion technology
NEW DELHI: The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Navi Mumbai-based Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited to provide financial assistance of ₹116 crore under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to advance indigenous green propulsion technology for satellites and launch vehicles.
The project, with a total estimated cost of ₹277.63 crore, aims to develop a scalable, integrated green propulsion system covering a thrust range of 5 millinewtons (mN) to 300 newtons (N). The initiative seeks to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 9, enabling further development, testing, validation and deployment.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the financial assistance will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).
Manastu Space is developing an indigenous propulsion system using a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system. The technology is designed to improve performance, operational safety and cost efficiency while reducing challenges associated with conventional propulsion systems.
A key feature of the system is its scalable architecture, which can support applications ranging from small satellites to higher-thrust propulsion requirements for launch vehicles.
The project includes the development of propulsion engines, propellant feed systems and an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst designed to ensure reliable performance under demanding operating conditions.
The propulsion technology has already been demonstrated in space. The next phase will focus on further engineering, system integration, testing and validation to improve reliability and prepare the system for wider deployment across satellite and launch vehicle applications.
The initiative is expected to address growing demand for efficient, cost-effective and safer propulsion technologies as India’s space sector expands.
Classified under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology as its sub-sector, the project also aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and technological capabilities in a critical segment of the space industry while reducing dependence on imported propulsion technologies.
Highlighting the importance of indigenous propulsion systems, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said the initiative would contribute to strengthening India’s capabilities across the space value chain.
“Indigenous propulsion technologies are important for strengthening India’s capabilities across the space value chain. As the country’s space ecosystem continues to expand, there is a growing need for propulsion systems that combine performance, reliability, operational safety and cost efficiency,” Pathak said.
He added, “Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting technology-intensive programmes that require sustained investment to progress from advanced development towards deployment. The project with Manastu Space reflects this commitment to advancing indigenous space technologies and enabling more sustainable approaches to access to space.”
Meanwhile, the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Manastu Space Technologies said the financial support would help accelerate the development and commercial readiness of the company’s green propulsion platform.
“The support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help us advance our green propulsion technology through further development, integration and validation. Our objective is to develop a scalable propulsion platform that combines performance, reliability and cost efficiency while addressing the need for safer and more sustainable propellant systems,” the company official said.
“This partnership will support our efforts to take the technology towards TRL-9 and strengthen India’s indigenous space propulsion capabilities,” the official added.
The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen India’s domestic space technology ecosystem and promote the development of sustainable propulsion solutions for future space missions.
