A group of angel investors and venture firms have contributed Rs 6.84 crore (approximately $800K) to the pre-seed funding round of Astrophel Aerospace, a deep-tech space startup.
The money will be used by the Pune-based startup to develop a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle prototype and to increase internal research and development activities aimed at creating cutting-edge guidance and propulsion systems for missiles.
Suyash Bafna founded Astrophel Aerospace in 2022 with the goal of creating affordable, reusable launch vehicles designed especially for small satellites. It uses an internal vertically integrated model for propulsion system design, engineering, and testing.
The company’s Astra C1 series rockets are constructed using a combination of 3D printing and modular assembly, and they are propelled by in-house developed semi-cryogenic engines.
With only Rs 6 lakh in internal resources and no outside funding prior to this round, Astrophel claims to be one of the few private Indian companies to successfully test-fire a semi-cryogenic engine. The current goal is to have a functional, reusable prototype in the next two to three years.
Modular design and manufacturing techniques borrowed from the automotive industry are being used by the startup to construct its flagship Potentia C1U engine. Additionally, Astrophel and ISRO have an MOU in place to facilitate testing and co-development.
Among the primary competitors in India are Bellatrix Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Skyroot Aerospace.
