New Delhi, October 26 (IANS). In a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous space technology capabilities and ensuring sustainable access to space, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed an agreement with Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra based Manastu Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for financial assistance of Rs 116 crore. This assistance will be provided under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The project, with a total cost of Rs 277.63 crore, aims to develop integrated and scalable green propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles with thrust capacities ranging from 5 milli-Newton (Mn) to 300 Newton (N).
The Ministry of Science and Technology said that the aim of this program is to increase the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9, thereby paving the way for its development, testing and commercial use. Financial assistance to the project will be provided in the form of Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).
Manastu Space Technologies is developing an indigenous green propulsion system, which will provide complete propulsion solutions for satellites and launch vehicles. The technology is based on hydrogen peroxide based green propellant and special additives, which will be supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system.
According to the company, the system will provide better performance, greater cost efficiency and safer operation compared to conventional propellants. Its specialty is that it can be used to suit various needs, from small satellites to high thrust missions.
Under the project, propulsion engine, propellant feed system and extremely high temperature resistant ceramic catalyst will also be developed, which will maintain the reliability of the system even in difficult conditions.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, said that indigenous propulsion technologies are very important to strengthen India's space value chain. He said as India's space ecosystem expands, there is a growing need for propulsion systems that can provide a balance of performance, reliability, safety and cost efficiency.
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Manastu Space Technologies said that the support received under the RDI fund will help the company accelerate the process of development, integration and validation of its green propulsion technology.
He said the company aims to develop a scalable propulsion platform that can meet the growing demand for safe and sustainable propellant systems along with high performance, reliability and cost efficiency.
–IANS
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