Astrophel Aerospace, a deep-tech space startup headquartered in Pune, has signed a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe, the nodal body under the Department of Space (DoS) for enabling private space activity in India. Under the agreement, Astrophel Aerospace will gain access to Department of Space (DoS)/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 facilities & experts through a Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP) framework for project-specific support, design validation, and testing campaigns.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Dr. Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director, Program Management & Authorization at IN-SPACe, a veteran of India’s space sector who served at ISRO for over 33 years, responsible for enabling Indian Non-Government entities to use ISRO facilities and support.
Astrophel has already achieved a major engineering milestone by test-firing an open-cycle semi-cryogenic engine at a record-low cost of just INR 6 lakh, with zero external capital. The development follows Astrophel’s recent INR 6.84 crore fundraising to build a reusable launch vehicle powered by its Potentia engine prototype, successfully tested in August 2023.
It is now looking to raise an additional USD 5M 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. The cryogenic valves will also serve the clean energy sector and industrial gas systems, positioning Astrophel as a strategic player across the broader aerospace and critical technologies ecosystem.