TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

Stardour Successfully Test-Fires India's First Hydrogen-Oxygen Propulsion Engine at IISc Bengaluru.

Science and Technology | Dated: 29 Jul 2025

In July 2025, Stardour Aerospace Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based Indian space-tech startup, achieved a major breakthrough by successfully test-firing India’s first hydrogen-oxygen propulsion engine at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Karnataka. The innovation marks a pivotal milestone in the nation’s transition towards cleaner, reusable space propulsion systems.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Stardour’s hydrogen-oxygen propulsion engine was entirely developed in-house, reflecting the growing technological self-reliance of India’s private space sector. This test was conducted in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, one of India’s premier scientific research institutions.
  • - The propulsion engine uses gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen as its propellants. These elements are known for high efficiency and clean combustion, making them suitable for future-focused space missions. The selection of these green propellants aligns with global efforts toward sustainable aerospace engineering.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) One of the standout features of the engine is its environmentally friendly exhaust. It releases only water vapor during combustion, making it a zero-carbon emission system. This places India among a limited number of nations developing clean propulsion technology for space missions.
  • (ii) This engine is specifically designed to power Stardour’s upcoming Lucas Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), which is scheduled for launch in 2027. The Lucas OTV will play a crucial role in transporting payloads and satellites between orbits, aiding precise in-space logistics and deployment.
  • (iii) Lucas, as a reusable vehicle, represents Stardour’s ambition to support in-space satellite servicing and modular deployment. With this engine, Lucas will be capable of transporting payloads from the launch vehicle's drop-off point to the satellite’s final intended orbit—improving efficiency and expanding the mission capabilities of India’s commercial space sector.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Indian private aerospace company successfully test-fired India’s first hydrogen-oxygen propulsion engine?

Correct Answer: Stardour

🚀 Quick Recap: