Deeptech space startup Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 crore in a pre-Seed round

Astrophel Aerospace, a homegrown deeptech space startup, has raised Rs 6.84 crore (approximately $800,000) in a pre-seed funding round led by a syndicate of angel investors and early-stage venture firms. 

The round marks a significant milestone for the Pune-based startup as it accelerates development of reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles and missile-grade guidance systems.

Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, Astrophel is among a handful of Indian private firms to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, an achievement it claims to have reached on a shoestring budget of just Rs 6 lakh and without any prior institutional funding.

Astrophel is developing its flagship engine, the Potentia C1U, using modular design and manufacturing principles adapted from the automotive sector. The engine is central to the startup's Astra C1 series rockets, which are designed for cost-effective, reusable deployment of small satellites. The firm uses a vertically integrated model for designing, engineering, and testing propulsion systems in-house, incorporating techniques like 3D printing and systems-first assembly—an unusual but calculated strategy in the high-barrier field of aerospace hardware.

The startup plans to use the newly raised capital to expand its R&D team and scale manufacturing capabilities to build and test a working prototype of its reusable launch vehicle within the next 24 to 36 months. It also aims to develop dual-use components, including cryogenic valves in partnership with a publicly listed Indian manufacturer, signaling its interest in both commercial and defense applications.

Astrophel recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organisation to collaborate on co-development and testing campaigns, further integrating the young firm into India’s expanding space ecosystem.