In a major leap for India’s burgeoning private space sector, a Pune-based startup, Astrophel Aerospace, has successfully developed and tested the country’s first private cryogenic fuel pump. The breakthrough technology, a critical component for next-generation rocket engines, was validated at a test facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marking a significant step toward making space exploration more accessible and affordable.
The cryogenic pump, a highly complex piece of engineering, is designed to handle liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen at extremely low temperatures, which are essential for powering cryogenic rocket engines. This technology has historically been the domain of a few government space agencies worldwide due to the immense technical challenges involved. Astrophel Aerospace’s success in this area positions India as a key player in the global race to commercialize launch vehicles.
According to Vikas Kumar, the founder and CEO of Astrophel Aerospace, the successful test at ISRO’s Propulsion Research Centre in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, proves the company’s capability to develop indigenous, high-performance propulsion systems. This achievement is a testament to the growing synergy between ISRO and private Indian space companies.
The development is a game-changer for the Indian private space industry, which has been focused on developing small satellite launch vehicles. By indigenizing cryogenic technology, companies can dramatically reduce the cost of building powerful and efficient rockets. This breakthrough will not only accelerate the development of reusable launch vehicles but also enable new ventures in satellite deployment and interplanetary missions.
Astrophel Aerospace is now focused on integrating the pump into its next-generation rocket engines, with the goal of conducting its first orbital launch within the next few years. The success of this Pune-based startup is a powerful indicator that India is well on its way to becoming a global hub for low-cost, high-tech space solutions.
