Funding · Government, Defense & Space

Astrobase secures IN-SPACe grant for 80-ton rocket engine

By Startup Enthusiast · 12 June 2026

What they do

Astrobase builds and tests rocket propulsion systems in India, including an 80-ton Full Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX–methane engine

The company received a ₹25 crore grant from IN-SPACe to accelerate development of its engine, selected from 47 applicants

The grant supports India's goal of building a $44 billion space economy by 2034 and aligns with the Make in India initiative

Astrobase, an Indian space infrastructure company, secured a ₹25 crore grant from IN-SPACe for the development of its 80-ton Full Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX–methane rocket engine.
The grant was signed by Neeraj Khandelwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Astrobase, during a ceremony hosted by Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe.
The support is part of IN-SPACe's Technology Adoption Fund (TAF), aimed at accelerating the development of high-potential space technologies by Indian private-sector companies.
Astrobase was selected from a pool of 47 space technology firms, and is one of only three companies chosen for this grant.
The engine is currently undergoing hot-fire testing at the company’s propulsion test facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

The grant supports India's vision of building a $44 billion space economy by 2034 and aligns with the Make in India initiative.
Astrobase's engine is a critical component of its broader vision to build advanced space infrastructure in India.
The selection reflects the strategic importance of developing indigenous propulsion systems to reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

Astrobase designs, builds, and tests rocket propulsion and vehicle systems in India.
The company operates a 46,000 sq ft assembly facility in Bengaluru and a test site in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
Astrobase's goal is to reshape India's space future by providing assured access to space through advanced propulsion systems.