New Delhi, Oct 26 Navi Mumbai-based space technology company Manastu Space Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Axelspace Corporation to integrate its green propulsion system into the Japanese company’s spacecraft, while exploring the possibility of an in-orbit demonstration.
The green propulsion system developed by Manastu is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems. It was first tested on board ISRO’s POEM-4 mission in December 2024.
The announcement came on the same day the Ministry of Science and Technology said that Manastu Space would receive Rs 116 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to advance indigenous green propulsion technology.
The RDI Fund, created by the government in 2025, provides low-cost, long-term loans to private companies involved in advanced research and innovation in deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and space science.
In a statement, the ministry said, “Manastu Space is developing an indigenous green propulsion system designed to provide a complete propulsion solution for satellites and launch vehicles. The technology uses a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with additives, supported by an integrated engine and catalyst system.”
“The system offers improved performance and cost efficiency while reducing the operational challenges associated with conventional propellants,” it added.
Speaking about the scope of the agreement with Axelspace, Manastu Space said the MoU was an initial step to “explore and assess”. “It is not a confirmed launch, a flight contract or a completed integration,” it said.
The two companies will jointly assess the technical requirements and other details necessary to integrate Manastu Space’s propulsion system into the Japanese spacecraft while exploring the possibility of an in-orbit demonstration using AL Lab, it said.
AL Lab specialises in the in-orbit demonstration of space components and mission equipment, which is considered a critical bottleneck between a newly developed technology and its commercial use.
Tushar Jadhav, co-founder and CEO of Manastu Space Technologies, said the company’s green propulsion technology was built to make satellites manoeuvre sustainably while remaining agile, reliable and free of toxic chemistry.
“And the most efficient, credible route to orbit is exactly the kind of partnership AL Lab represents,” he said.
“The world order is changing, and the India-Japan growth story will be the biggest catalyst for the future of the global space ecosystem. We are excited and grateful to be building this relationship alongside them,” he added.
Manastu’s green propulsion systems use “MS-289”, a proprietary hydrogen peroxide-alcohol-based novel propellant developed to combine cost efficiency, enhanced performance and high reliability.
With specialised additives, MS-289 is designed to deliver high levels of efficiency, safety and mission stability, while enabling safer ground operations and easier handling for personnel, supporting more sustainable and agile satellite propulsion in space.
MS-289 seeks to replace toxic propellants, such as commonly used hydrazine, making it the future-ready choice for sustainable satellite propulsion.
Daigo Orihara, director of Axelspace Corporation, said that as opportunities for in-orbit demonstration are still limited, the company believes that it was important to understand each customer’s technology and future business plans and to provide value that is unique to AL Lab.
“Through these discussions, Axelspace hopes to support Manastu Space in taking its next steps while continuing to develop AL Lab into a service chosen by companies and research institutions around the world,” Orihara said.
(PTI News)
