IIT Bombay’s space startup tests its green propulsion system in space

Manastu Space, a new space technology startup, successfully test-launched its first green propulsion system in space on December 31, 2024. Photo credit: Special arrangement

Manastu Space, a new space technology startup founded by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, successfully test-fired their first green propulsion system VYOM 2U on PSLV C60 in Lucknow on December 31, 2024 at 8:50 pm . Green propulsion systems are non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical propulsion systems, and research is currently underway to find efficient propellants with minimal impact on the environment and human health.

Manastu Space was founded in 2017 by Tushar Jadhav, a 2014 alumnus of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and Ashtesh Kumar, a 2017 alumnus of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The technology was developed by a team of experts in the fields of propulsion systems, satellite technology and advanced materials, in collaboration with and under the guidance of IIT Bombay, with many of the initial prototypes and key technologies being developed under the guidance of Professor Jayesh Bellare, Professor Parag Bhargava of Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Professor Amol Gokhale, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Tushar Jadhav, CEO of Manastu Space, said that the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) is a multi-functional program of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) that aims to provide a cost-effective platform for on-orbit experiments. POEM transforms the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into a free-flying test bed in low Earth orbit, providing an affordable way for startups, research institutions and universities to validate their space technologies.

“On New Year’s Eve, we test-fired the green propulsion system Vyom-2U on POEM-4. We are very grateful to ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) for providing an incredible platform like POEM to test our products and many others,” said Mr. Jadhav.

For emerging companies like Manastu Space, POEM is an important enabler. Launching proprietary systems into space has traditionally been costly for smaller entities. By leveraging POEM, startups can bypass high launch costs and focus on innovation, thereby fostering a more inclusive and vibrant space ecosystem in India.

Professor Jayesh Bellare said that the system was launched on ISRO’s POEM and has now reached Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), marking that it is ready for commercial deployment.

Some of the experiments planned for POEM-4 include demonstrating seed germination in outer space, using a robotic arm to capture tethered debris, and testing green propulsion systems.

POEM is conducting 24 experiments, 14 from various ISRO laboratories and 10 from private universities and startups, to demonstrate various technologies in space.

“The mission, aptly named Adyanta, demonstrated the propulsion system’s capabilities through a series of key maneuvers. Over the coming weeks, the system will achieve more than 500 seconds of cumulative launch time in orbit to Consolidating its performance in real-world conditions. This milestone represents a paradigm shift in satellite propulsion, providing a safer, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional toxic propellants,” said Mr. Berard.

Mr. Jadhav said the success marked a transformative moment for the team as it transitioned from development to commercialization. “With our green propulsion technologies proven in space, we are ready to meet the growing global demand for sustainable satellite propulsion. To advance our development and commercialization efforts, we are hiring experienced professionals in the space sector professionals to actively expand our team. Their expertise will drive innovation, scale operations, and accelerate our mission to redefine the standard of advancement in the global aerospace industry. This achievement also positions us to raise 3 million in pre-Series A financing in 2023. The U.S. dollar’s momentum lays a solid foundation for preparations for the next round of financing.

Regarding the technological impact, Ashtesh Kumar, chief technology officer of Manastu Space, said: “The implementation of TRL-8 highlights the maturity and reliability of our technology and marks a decisive moment for sustainable space propulsion. Our VYOM 2U propulsion system has undergone extensive The space test, which lasted approximately 400 hours in orbit, proved its robustness and suitability for long-duration missions.

Mr. Kumar added that during the exciting 30-second launch aboard PSLV POEM-4, the green propulsion system tilted the platform 24 degrees and rotated at 0.5°/s before the onboard systems seamlessly regained control.

Over the next few days, PSLV will perform critical maneuvers that will ultimately result in more than 500 seconds of cumulative space launch time over the next 1,500 hours. “This In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) is a historic leap in sustainable propulsion, paving the way for cleaner, more innovative space exploration – a trend Manastu Space is proud to lead,” said Mr. Kumar.