Space tech start-up, Manastu Space has successfully test fired their first Green Propulsion System in space on December 31, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Space tech start-up, Manastu Space, started by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has successfully test fired their first Green Propulsion System VYOM 2U onboard PSLV C60 in space on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Lucknow. The Green Propulsion System is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems that are being researched to find efficient propellants that have a minimal impact on the environment and human health.
Manastu Space was founded in 2017 by alumni Tushar Jadhav from the Department of Aerospace Engineering 2014 batch and Ashtesh Kumar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering 2017 batch. Led by a team of experts in propulsion systems, satellite technology, and advanced materials, the technology has been developed in collaboration and mentoring with IIT Bombay, where many initial prototyping and critical technologies were developed under Professor Jayesh Bellare from Chemical Engineering, Professor Parag Bhargava from Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, and Professor Amol Gokhale from Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Tushar Jadhav, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manastu Space said that the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, or POEM, is a versatile initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed to provide a cost-effective platform for on-orbit experiments. POEM transforms the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into a free-flying testbed in low Earth orbit, offering startups, research institutions, and universities an affordable way to validate their technologies in space.
“We test-fired our green propulsion system Vyom-2U onboard the POEM-4 on the New Year’s Eve. We are deeply grateful to the ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for providing an incredible platform like POEM to test our product and many others,” Mr. Jadhav said.
For emerging players like Manastu Space, POEM serves as a vital enabler. Launching proprietary systems into space has traditionally been prohibitively expensive for smaller entities. By leveraging POEM, startups can bypass high launch costs and focus on innovation, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic space ecosystem in India.
Professor Jayesh Bellare said that the system, launched aboard ISRO’s POEM, has now reached Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), marking its readiness for commercial deployment.
Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4.
The POEM is carrying 24 experiments, 14 from various ISRO labs and 10 from private universities and startups to demonstrate various technologies in space.
“The mission, aptly named Adyanta, demonstrated the propulsion system’s exceptional capabilities through a series of critical maneuvers. Over the coming weeks, the system will achieve more than 500 seconds of cumulative firing time in orbit, solidifying its performance under real-world conditions. This milestone represents a paradigm shift in satellite propulsion, offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to conventional toxic propellants,” Mr. Bellare said.
Mr. Jadhav said that this success marks a transformative moment as the team transitions from development to commercialisation. “With our green propulsion technology validated in space, we are poised to meet the growing global demand for sustainable satellite propulsion. To fuel our growth and commercialisation efforts, we are actively expanding our team by hiring experienced professionals in the space domain. Their expertise will drive innovation, scale operations, and accelerate our mission to redefine propulsion standards in the global space industry. This accomplishment also positions us strongly as we prepare for our next funding round, building on the momentum of our $3 million pre-Series A raise in 2023,” Mr. Jadhav explained.
On the technological impact, Ashtesh Kumar, Chief Technology Officer of Manastu Space said, “Reaching TRL-8 underscores the maturity and reliability of our technology and marks a defining moment for sustainable space propulsion. The extensive space testing of our VYOM 2U propulsion system, withstanding approximately 400 hours in orbit, demonstrates its robustness and readiness for long-duration missions.”
In a thrilling 30second firing onboard PSLV POEM-4, the Green Propulsion System tilted the platform by 24 degrees, spinning it at 0.5°/s before onboard systems seamlessly regained control, Mr. Kumar added.
Over the coming days, PSLV will execute critical manoeuvres, culminating in 500+ seconds of cumulative in-space firing time across the next 1500 hours. “This In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) is a historic leap for sustainable propulsion, paving the way for cleaner and more innovative space exploration—where Manastu Space is proudly leading the charge,” Mr. Kumar said.
Published – January 02, 2025 09:10 pm IST
