• The MoU enables the space tech startup access to ISRO infrastructure for rocket engine testing and technical support. 
  • Astrophel expands its propulsion roadmap with the MoU following a recent INR 6.84 crore fundraise, with an additional USD 5 million in the pipeline to build and test a reusable hopper prototype.
  • Astrophel is one of only a handful of Indian space startups to have successfully tested a semi-cryogenic rocket engine on 15th August 2023, executed without external funding.

Pune & Ahmedabad, Wednesday, 13th August 2025: Astrophel Aerospace, a space tech startup headquartered in Pune, has signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe, the nodal body under the Department of Space (DoS). Under the agreement, Astrophel Aerospace will gain access to ISRO facilities for technical reviews, system-level testing, and qualification support for critical components of its semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, including turbopumps and engine modules. 

The MoU also enables Astrophel to collaborate with ISRO experts through a Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP) framework for project-specific support, design validation, and testing campaigns. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Pawan Goenka, IN-SPACE Chairman and Dr. Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director of Program Management & Authorization at IN-SPACe, responsible for enabling Indian Non-Government entities to use ISRO facilities and support.

“Our collaboration with IN-SPACe brings us one step closer to realising our vision of flexible, affordable launch access across India,” said Suyash Bafna, Co-founder and CEO, Astrophel Aerospace. “We’re building a next-gen propulsion platform focused not only on reusability but on strengthening India’s end-to-end space supply chain with cryogenic valves, components and missile-grade guidance systems”, added Immanuel Louis, Cofounder, Astrophel Aerospace.

The MoU follows a recent INR 6.84 crore fundraise to build a reusable launch hopper which will be powered by its flagship Astra series launch vehicle. An additional USD 5 million fundraise is also being planned to fast-track development of its reusable rocket engine and scale commercial production of cryogenic components. 

These subsystems, including valves, turbopumps and avionics systems, are being developed for dual-use applications. Cryogenic valves are also used in the clean energy sector and industrial gas systems, positioning Astrophel as a strategic player across the broader aerospace, critical technologies ecosystem, with additional applications in defence, energy ecosystem.

Astrophel is one of only a handful of Indian space startups to have successfully tested a semi-cryogenic rocket engine, executed without external funding. The space tech startup had already achieved a major engineering milestone by being one of the first startups to successfully test-firing an open-cycle semi-cryogenic engine at a record-low cost of just INR 6 lakh, with zero external capital on 15th August 2023. 

With modularity, cost-efficient design, and a lean team of ISRO, DRDO, and HAL veterans, the Astrophel Aerospace is preparing for its first suborbital launch and aims to deliver a fully reusable hopper prototype in the next 24 – 36 months.