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IIT Bombay startup Manastu Space tests green propulsion system in space
Industry News- Jan 03,25
The green propulsion system is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems, designed to reduce environmental and health impacts associated with traditional space propulsion technologies.
Manastu Space, a space technology start-up founded by IIT Bombay alumni, successfully test-fired its green propulsion system, VYOM 2U, aboard the PSLV C60 rocket on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. The test took place in space, marking a significant milestone for the company. The green propulsion system is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems, designed to reduce environmental and health impacts associated with traditional space propulsion technologies.
Founded in 2017 by Tushar Jadhav (Aerospace Engineering, 2014 batch) and Ashtesh Kumar (Mechanical Engineering, 2017 batch), Manastu Space has been working closely with IIT Bombay for the development of this technology. The project benefited from the expertise of IIT Bombay professors, including Professor Jayesh Bellare (Chemical Engineering), Professor Parag Bhargava (Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science), and Professor Amol Gokhale (Mechanical Engineering).
Tushar Jadhav, CEO, highlighted the role of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) in facilitating this achievement. POEM, an initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), turns the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into a free-flying testbed in low Earth orbit, providing an affordable platform for startups, universities, and research institutions to test their space technologies.
“We test-fired our green propulsion system Vyom-2U onboard POEM-4 on New Year’s Eve. We are deeply grateful to ISRO and IN-SPACe for providing such a platform,” Jadhav said. For startups like Manastu Space, POEM serves as a game-changing enabler, allowing them to test systems in space without bearing the high costs of traditional space launches.
Professor Jayesh Bellare shared that the propulsion system has now reached Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), signifying its readiness for commercial deployment. The POEM-4 mission, named Adyanta, also demonstrated a variety of other experiments, including seed germination in outer space and testing of green propulsion systems.
The green propulsion system’s successful test was highlighted by a series of critical maneuvers, demonstrating its capabilities. Over the next few weeks, the system will achieve over 500 seconds of cumulative firing time, further proving its performance under real-world conditions. “This milestone offers a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to toxic propellants,” said Bellare.
For Manastu Space, the successful test marks a key step in its transition from development to commercialisation. Jadhav emphasised that the company is now positioned to meet the growing global demand for sustainable satellite propulsion. The company is also expanding its team to support its commercial growth and is preparing for a new funding round after raising $3 million in a pre-Series A round in 2023.
Ashtesh Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, pointed out that reaching TRL-8 demonstrates the robustness of their technology, with the VYOM 2U system successfully enduring approximately 400 hours in orbit. A 30-second firing onboard POEM-4 demonstrated the system’s ability to tilt the platform by 24 degrees, spinning it at 0.5°/s before the onboard systems regained control.
The upcoming critical maneuvers will culminate in over 500 seconds of cumulative in-space firing time, marking a historic leap for sustainable propulsion. Kumar added, “This In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) is a pivotal step towards cleaner and more innovative space exploration, with Manastu Space leading the way.”
(Hindu)
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