Astrophel Aerospace Raises Rs 6.84 Cr for Reusable Launch Vehicle

02 Jul 2025 CW Team

The funding has been raised on the cusp of the landmark Gaganyaan, Axiom-4, and Space Activities Bill, poised to open the floodgates for private innovation in space technologies. Astrophel Aerospace is one of only a handful of indigenous private startups to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine. The milestone was achieved by spending a mere Rs 0.6 million and zero external funding before the current round.

Astrophel Aerospace is leveraging a modular, systems-first approach inspired by auto manufacturing best practices to build its Potentia C1U engine. It has also signed an MoU with ISRO for collaborative R&D and testing campaigns. India’s space economy is expected to grow from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033, with over 8,500 small satellites forecast to be launched globally within this decade, as per IN-SPACe.

Suyash Bafna, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace, said, "We believe that India’s private space sector is ready to tackle high-complexity, deep-tech challenges in aerospace. We're building reusable systems and precision components that reduce costs and will usher in a new age of space access for India.”

Astrophel Aerospace is also collaborating with a listed Indian manufacturer to co-produce cryogenic valves, with dual-use potential in both commercial and defence applications. India’s space startup ecosystem is gaining exponential momentum, backed by favourable policy reforms.

"Reusable rockets, turbopump-fed engines and missile-grade guidance systems are among some of the toughest challenges in aerospace today," said Immanuel Louis, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace. "The funding will enable us to deep-dive into development while staying lean and execution-focused," he added.

With its first suborbital launch on the horizon, Astrophel Aerospace is positioning itself as India’s next propulsion and launch infrastructure company, built from the ground up to serve India’s ambitious space aspirations.

Astrophel Aerospace, a Pune-based deep-tech space startup, has raised Rs 60.84 million in a pre-seed funding round led by a consortium of individuals and angel venture firms. The funds will be deployed to develop a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle, scale its in-house R&D to develop missile-grade guidance systems and components. The company anticipates having a working, reusable prototype ready for testing within the next 24 to 36 months. The funding has been raised on the cusp of the landmark Gaganyaan, Axiom-4, and Space Activities Bill, poised to open the floodgates for private innovation in space technologies. Astrophel Aerospace is one of only a handful of indigenous private startups to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine. The milestone was achieved by spending a mere Rs 0.6 million and zero external funding before the current round. Astrophel Aerospace is leveraging a modular, systems-first approach inspired by auto manufacturing best practices to build its Potentia C1U engine. It has also signed an MoU with ISRO for collaborative R&D and testing campaigns. India’s space economy is expected to grow from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033, with over 8,500 small satellites forecast to be launched globally within this decade, as per IN-SPACe.Suyash Bafna, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace, said, We believe that India’s private space sector is ready to tackle high-complexity, deep-tech challenges in aerospace. We're building reusable systems and precision components that reduce costs and will usher in a new age of space access for India.”Astrophel Aerospace is also collaborating with a listed Indian manufacturer to co-produce cryogenic valves, with dual-use potential in both commercial and defence applications. India’s space startup ecosystem is gaining exponential momentum, backed by favourable policy reforms.Reusable rockets, turbopump-fed engines and missile-grade guidance systems are among some of the toughest challenges in aerospace today, said Immanuel Louis, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace. The funding will enable us to deep-dive into development while staying lean and execution-focused, he added.With its first suborbital launch on the horizon, Astrophel Aerospace is positioning itself as India’s next propulsion and launch infrastructure company, built from the ground up to serve India’s ambitious space aspirations.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Aug 2026

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Aug 2026

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..