Astrophel Aerospace indigenously builds a cryogenic pump for propelling rocket engines into orbit

Pune-based space tech startup Astrophel Aerospace has built an indigenous cryogenic pump designed to power its upcoming Astra C1 rocket engine.

The said cryogenic pump, capable of spinning at 25,000 revolutions per minute, is undergoing testing at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities.

The startup plans to upgrade it into a turbopump for integration into its first and second stage engines by late 2026.

Astrophel announced the development, stating that it positions the firm among the first private Indian startups to develop a homegrown cryogenic pump.

About Astrophel Aerospace

Founded in 2021 by Suyash Bafna and Immanuel Louis, Astrophel Aerospace is an Indian space tech startup building affordable, dedicated launch vehicles for small satellites, powered by semi-cryogenic propulsion systems.

Its flagship Astra C1 series and Potentia engine take it among the few Indian private companies to have independently built and successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine on 15th August 2023, without any external funding.

About the co-founders

Suyash Bafna is a B.Tech from Pune Institute of Computer Technology, who plays a key role in systems integration, operations, and strategic execution.

Immanuel Louis is an aerospace engineer who holds a master’s degree from MIT Chennai. His journey began with building remote-control aircraft as a child and evolved into co-building one of India’s most affordable semi-cryogenic rocket engines.

By combining best practices from automotive manufacturing with 3D printing, Astrophel reduces production time and cost by up to 40%, making it potentially one of the most accessible launch providers in the segment.

Astrophel is planning full orbital missions from Indian launchpads utilising reusable launchers to capitalise on the potential of India's space industry, projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2033.

Supported by a distinguished advisory board of propulsion experts with experience working at ISRO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and DRDO, the company aims to democratise space access.

“This milestone is a testament to how India can indigenously develop advanced propulsion technologies at a fraction of global costs,” said Bafna. “ISRO’s certification will validate not just our pump, but India’s ability to innovate world-class space hardware with global export opportunities”, he added. 

Astrophel’s vision

What began as fifty-plus separate, precisely engineered components comes together into a cryo-pump system that spins at 25,000 RPM, delivering cryogenic fuel that will power the Pune startup's first and second-stage rocket engines.

For context, at least 8-9 turbopumps are required just during the first-stage liftoff of an SSLV.

Astrophel’s approach differs from other startups developing 3D-printed, electric pumps. 

The announcement comes as India sets its sights on growing the space economy from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033, capturing 8% of the global market.

With more than 250 startups entering the sector, propulsion milestones like Astrophel’s cryo-pump are crucial to achieving the target.

“This milestone represents the culmination of years of frugal engineering and is a stepping stone toward India’s first privately developed gas generator cycle,” added Immanuel Louis.

Though the size of a one-litre bottle, the cryo-pump is powerful enough to generate 100 to 150 horsepower, equivalent to that of a family car, which will be scaled up to deliver 500 to 600 horsepower (turbopump) for larger launch vehicles.

Acting as the “heart of the rocket,” a turbopump feeds cryogenic fuel into the engine at high pressure, ensuring efficient thrust control and lower material costs.

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