IIT Bombay’s space start-up tests its green propulsion system in space 

Manastu Space successfully test fires green propulsion system VYOM 2U onboard PSLV POEM-4, marking a milestone in sustainable space propulsion.

Space tech start-up, Manastu Space, started by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has successfully test fired their first Green Propulsion System VYOM 2U onboard PSLV C60 in space on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Lucknow. The Green Propulsion System is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems that are being researched to find efficient propellants that have a minimal impact on the environment and human health.  

Manastu Space was founded in 2017 by alumni Tushar Jadhav from the Department of Aerospace Engineering 2014 batch and Ashtesh Kumar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering 2017 batch. Led by a team of experts in propulsion systems, satellite technology, and advanced materials, the technology has been developed in collaboration and mentoring with IIT Bombay, where many initial prototyping and critical technologies were developed under Professor Jayesh Bellare from Chemical Engineering, Professor Parag Bhargava from Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, and Professor Amol Gokhale from Department of Mechanical Engineering.  

Tushar Jadhav, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manastu Space said that the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, or POEM, is a versatile initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed to provide a cost-effective platform for on-orbit experiments. POEM transforms the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into a free-flying testbed in low Earth orbit, offering startups, research institutions, and universities an affordable way to validate their technologies in space.  

“We test-fired our green propulsion system Vyom-2U onboard the POEM-4 on the New Year’s Eve. We are deeply grateful to the ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for providing an incredible platform like POEM to test our product and many others,” Mr. Jadhav said.  

For emerging players like Manastu Space, POEM serves as a vital enabler. Launching proprietary systems into space has traditionally been prohibitively expensive for smaller entities. By leveraging POEM, startups can bypass high launch costs and focus on innovation, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic space ecosystem in India.   

Professor Jayesh Bellare said that the system, launched aboard ISRO’s POEM, has now reached Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), marking its readiness for commercial deployment.