Astrophel Aerospace and IN-SPACe Partner to Advance India's Reusable Rocket Technology.

Pune-based space tech startup Astrophel Aerospace has signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe, the Indian government's space sector facilitator, to gain access to ISRO's facilities. This partnership will provide critical support for the development of the company’s semi-cryogenic propulsion systems.

The agreement allows Astrophel to use ISRO facilities for technical reviews, system-level testing, and qualification support for components like turbopumps and engine modules. The collaboration also includes a Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP), which will allow the startup to work directly with ISRO experts on design validation and testing campaigns.

The MoU was formalized with IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka and Director of Program Management and Authorization Prafulla Kumar Jain present.

This collaboration follows Astrophel’s recent ₹6.84 crore fundraise, which will be used to develop a reusable launch hopper. The company is also planning an additional $5 million fundraise to accelerate its reusable rocket engine development and scale up production of cryogenic components.

Astrophel is currently developing various subsystems, including valves, turbopumps, and avionics, that have dual-use applications in sectors such as clean energy, industrial gas systems, and defense.