New Delhi: Pune-based New Space startup Astrophel Aerospace has raised Rs 6.84 Crore (US $ 800,000) in pre-seed funding led by a consortium of individuals and angel venture firms towards developing a partially reusable semicryogenic launch vehicle, and scale its in-house research and development towards missile-grade guidance systems and components. The company aims to realise a working, reusable prototype ready for testing between 24 and 36 months. Astrophel Aerospace is among a handful of private startups in India to0 have successfully test-fired a semicryogenic engine, that was achieved with an initial cost of six lakhs without any external funding. Astrophel Aerospace has signed an MoU with ISRO for collaborative development and testing campaigns.
Astrophel Aerospace is building its Potentia C1U engine with a modular, systems-first approach inspired by best practices for automobile manufacturing. Astrophel Aerospace is also collaborating with a listed Indian manufacturer to coproduce the cryogenic valves, with duel-use poitential for commercial and defence applications. The partially reusable rocket is being developed to address the burgeoning demand for deploying small satellites, with a suborbital flight on the horizon. Astrophel Aerospace had conducted a cold-flow test of its reusable cryogenic engine in 2023, and has more recently conducted a hot firing test.
Made in India rocket for small satellites
Co-founder of Astrophel Aerospace, Suyash Bafna said, “We believe that India’s private space sector is ready to tackle high-complexity, deep-tech challenges in aerospace. We’re building reusable systems and precision components that reduce costs and will usher in a new age of space access for India.” The other Co-founder of Astrophel Aerospace, Immanuel Louis said, “Reusable rockets, turbopump-fed engines and missile-grade guidance systems are among some of the toughest challenges in aerospace today. The funding will enable us to deep-dive into development while staying lean and execution-focused.” Astrophel Aerospace is positioning itself as the next propulsion and launch infrastructure company, and is building its hardware from the ground up.