India is strengthening its domestic space technology ecosystem with a new financial-support agreement worth ₹116 crore for Manastu Space Technologies, a company developing green propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles.
The agreement was signed by the Technology Development Board, which operates under the Department of Science and Technology. The support will be provided through the Research, Development and Innovation Fund using an Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) structure.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: ₹116 crore financial-support agreement for indigenous green space propulsion technology.
Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, with applications for satellite and launch-vehicle systems.
Authority/Organisation: Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology; Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited.
Action Taken: Agreement signed under the Research, Development and Innovation Fund through Optionally Convertible Debt.
- Impact: Aims to advance propulsion technology from TRL 6 to TRL 9 and strengthen India's domestic space technology capabilities.
The total estimated cost of the project is ₹277.63 crore. Its objective is to develop a scalable, integrated propulsion system capable of serving applications across a thrust range of 5 millinewtons to 300 newtons, from small satellites to higher-thrust propulsion requirements.
Manastu Space is developing a system based on a hydrogen peroxide-based propellant with additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst arrangement. The project also includes propulsion engines, propellant feed systems and an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst.
According to the official announcement, the technology has already been demonstrated in space. The next phase will focus on further engineering, integration, testing and validation to improve reliability and readiness for wider deployment. The stated target is to progress from TRL 6 to TRL 9.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Strengthening domestic technology: Indigenous propulsion systems could expand India's ability to develop critical space components within the country. Potential mission benefits: Propulsion technologies designed for performance, reliability and cost efficiency could benefit future satellite operations and launch-vehicle applications. Support for deep-tech innovation: The agreement illustrates how public financial support can help technology-focused companies advance complex engineering projects. Reducing external dependence: Building domestic capabilities in propulsion may reduce reliance on externally sourced technologies in this part of the space supply chain, although the actual level of future import substitution remains to be established. Moving towards deployment: The TRL 9 target signals an ambition to advance beyond the current demonstrated stage. Achieving that target will require further testing, validation and evidence of operational readiness.
The initiative comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in strategically important space technologies. Developing propulsion systems within the country could help expand the range of components and systems available to Indian satellite and launch-vehicle developers.
However, the funding agreement does not mean that the entire project is complete or that the technology has already reached its final targeted readiness level. Those outcomes depend on the development and validation work still to be undertaken.
