The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India, has signed an agreement with Navi Mumbai-based Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited. Under this agreement, the company will receive financial assistance of ₹116 crore from the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to advance the development of indigenous green propulsion technology.
The objective of this project, valued at ₹277.63 crore, is to develop a green propulsion system for satellites and launch vehicles with a thrust capacity ranging from 5 mN to 300 N. Financial support of ₹116 crore will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD). The project aims to advance the technology from TRL-6 to TRL-9.
Manastu Space’s propulsion platform uses a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system. The technology is designed to improve operational safety and cost efficiency while offering an alternative to conventional satellite propulsion systems.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the TDB, stated that this initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthening India’s indigenous space capabilities and advancing technologies toward the deployment stage. Meanwhile, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Manastu Space noted that this financial support will help accelerate the development, integration, and validation of propulsion systems, while also advancing the technology to the TRL-9 level.
Under the project, a propulsion engine, a propellant feed system and high-temperature-resistant ceramic catalysts will be developed and tested. Building on in-space demonstrations, it will focus on system integration and testing to improve reliability and enable wider deployment.
This initiative is a significant step towards promoting India’s indigenous space technology, strengthening domestic capabilities in the field of propulsion systems, and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
(PIB)
