Space News
Astrobase Space Technologies is developing an indigenous medium-lift launch vehicle, with propulsion at the centre of its strategy. Founded by former ISRO scientist Devakumar Thammisetty and CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal, the Bengaluru-based startup is targeting its first orbital flight by 2028.
The company has developed EVEREST, an 80-tonne-class, 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine designed and manufactured in India. Astrobase is also developing methane-based propulsion infrastructure and operates a 22.5-acre test facility in Andhra Pradesh, alongside its 44,000 sq. ft. Bengaluru manufacturing facility.
Astrobase has received support under IN-SPACe’s Technology Adoption Fund and plans to scale engine manufacturing to 50 units annually. Its broader ambition is to build reusable launch infrastructure capable of supporting India’s growing space economy.
The Bigger Picture
India’s expanding private space ecosystem is moving beyond small launch vehicles towards larger propulsion systems, manufacturing capabilities and reusable infrastructure. Astrobase’s focus on in-house development highlights the growing emphasis on indigenous space technology and scalable launch capacity.
Astrobase reflects the shift from building individual space technologies to developing the industrial backbone required for sustained access to orbit. Its propulsion-first strategy could become an important building block as India expands its commercial and satellite-led space economy.
