The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Navi Mumbai-based Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited to provide ₹116 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the project has a total cost of ₹277.63 crore and aims to develop an integrated green propulsion system for satellites and launch vehicles. The programme seeks to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9, bringing it closer to commercial deployment.
The propulsion system is designed to cover thrust requirements ranging from 5 millinewtons (mN) to 300 newtons (N), supporting a range of space applications. The financial assistance will be provided through optionally convertible debt (OCD).
Manastu Space is developing an indigenous propulsion technology based on hydrogen peroxide with additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system. According to the PIB release, the technology aims to improve performance and cost efficiency while reducing operational challenges associated with conventional propellants.
The initiative is expected to support the development of homegrown propulsion systems for India’s space sector, strengthening domestic technological capabilities and advancing more sustainable propulsion solutions for satellites and launch vehicles.
A key feature of the technology is its scalable architecture, serving propulsion requirements ranging from small satellite applications to higher-thrust systems. The project encompasses the development of propulsion engines and propellant feed systems, including an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst designed for reliable operation under demanding conditions.
The propulsion system has already been demonstrated in space. The programme will build on this technology base through further engineering, system integration, testing and validation, advancing its performance, reliability and readiness for wider deployment across satellite and launch vehicle applications. The project addresses an important requirement in the evolving space economy: propulsion systems that can support more efficient satellite operations while improving the safety and economics of space missions.
The project falls under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology as the sub-sector. By supporting indigenous propulsion development, the initiative aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in a critical component of the space value chain and reduce reliance on externally sourced technologies.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said, “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. 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.”
Co-Founder & CTO, Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, said, “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. This partnership will support our efforts to take the technology towards TRL-9 and strengthen India’s indigenous space propulsion capabilities.”
Source- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
