Astrophel Aerospace & IN-SPACe Recently Signed MoU for Reusable Rocket Engine Development.
Science and Technology
Astrophel Aerospace Private Limited has recently signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) — the nodal body under the Department of Space (DoS) — to jointly develop reusable rocket engine technology. The agreement was formalized on 13 August 2025.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, and Dr. Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director of Program Management & Authorization at IN-SPACe, marking a significant milestone for India’s private space sector.
- Astrophel Aerospace will gain access to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities for system-level testing, qualification support, and technical reviews, covering critical components such as turbopumps, engine modules, and other subsystems.
Main Point :- (i) Under this MoU, Astrophel will collaborate with ISRO experts through a Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP), which will facilitate project-specific design validation, subsystem development, and campaign testing for reusable rocket propulsion.
(ii) The collaboration focuses on developing vital subsystems — including valves, turbo pumps, and avionics systems — with dual-use potential in defence, clean energy, and industrial gas applications. This will enable Astrophel to innovate beyond the aerospace sector while enhancing indigenous capabilities.
(iii) The development comes after Astrophel successfully raised ₹6.84 crore in funding, with an additional USD 5 million planned. The company had earlier achieved a milestone on 15 August 2023, becoming one of the few Indian startups to successfully test-fire a semi-cryogenic engine without external capital support.
About IN-SPACe
Chairman : Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
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