Astrophel Aerospace, a Pune-based deep-tech space startup, has raised ₹6.84 crore (approximately $800,000) in a pre-seed round from a group of angel investors and venture capital firms.
The funding will be used to build a prototype of its reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and strengthen its in-house R&D capabilities focused on next-gen propulsion and guidance systems.
The startup aims to revolutionize satellite deployment by developing cost-effective and reusable launch vehicles tailored for the small satellite market. With a vertically integrated approach, Astrophel designs, engineers, and tests propulsion systems entirely in-house.
Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, the company is currently developing its Astra C1 series of rockets, which are powered by proprietary semi-cryogenic engines and built using modular assembly and 3D printing techniques. The flagship Potentia C1U engine leverages manufacturing principles from the automotive sector for scalable production.
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Astrophel stands out as one of the few Indian private companies to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, achieving the milestone with just ₹6 lakh in internal funding. It has also signed an MoU with ISRO to support co-development and testing initiatives.
The company targets the completion of a working prototype within the next two to three years. It competes with other private Indian space tech startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, and Pixxel.
