The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), on Monday, 26 October 2026, signed a formal agreement with Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, based in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, for financial support of ₹116 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The deal marks a significant push to accelerate India's indigenous green propulsion capabilities for satellites and launch vehicles.

What the Project Involves

The total project cost stands at ₹277.63 crore, with TDB's ₹116 crore contribution provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD). The programme focuses on developing a scalable, integrated green propulsion system covering a thrust range of 5 mN to 300 N, serving everything from small satellite applications to higher-thrust launch vehicle requirements.

A key technical objective is advancing the propulsion technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9 — the stage of full operational deployment. This encompasses further development, ground validation, and in-orbit demonstration of the propulsion system.

The Technology Behind It

Manastu Space's system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with proprietary additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system. A standout component is an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst, engineered for reliable performance under demanding operational conditions. The company asserts the system offers improved performance and cost efficiency compared to conventional, often toxic, propellants such as hydrazine, while reducing associated handling and safety risks.

The project also covers the development of propulsion engines and propellant feed systems, making it a comprehensive end-to-end propulsion platform rather than a point-solution component.

What the Government Said

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. 'Indigenous propulsion technologies are important for strengthening India's capabilities across the space value chain. As the country's space ecosystem continues to expand, there is a growing need for propulsion systems that combine performance, reliability, operational safety and cost efficiency,' he said.

The Co-Founder and CTO of Manastu Space noted that TDB's support would help the company 'advance our green propulsion technology through further development, integration and validation,' with the stated objective of building 'a scalable propulsion platform that combines performance, reliability and cost efficiency while addressing the need for safer and more sustainable propellant systems.'

Why This Matters for India's Space Sector

India's private space ecosystem has expanded rapidly since the government opened the sector to private players, and propulsion remains one of the most critical — and historically import-dependent — sub-systems. Manastu Space's programme directly addresses that gap. Notably, green propulsion is gaining traction globally as satellite operators seek to reduce regulatory and environmental hurdles associated with hazardous propellants.

This is also one of the larger single-company RDI fund commitments in the space technology segment, signalling a broader shift in DST's funding posture toward deep-tech, high-capital commercial space ventures. The success of this programme could serve as a template for similar public-private co-investments in adjacent areas such as electric propulsion and in-space manufacturing.

With TRL-9 validation on the horizon, Manastu Space is positioning itself to supply indigenous propulsion systems to India's growing fleet of commercial satellites and next-generation launch vehicles in the coming years.