Astrobase: Building the Future of Satellite Launches
Astrobase is set to revolutionise satellite launches, spearheaded by CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal in collaboration with prominent ISRO scientists Devakumar Thammisetty, Pawan Kumar, and Prashant M. The focus of Astrobase is to meet the rising demand for satellite launches by developing cost-effective and high-payload launch vehicles.
Innovative Technology and Launch Vehicles
The company is innovating with a methane-oxygen full flow staged combustion engine that is capable of accommodating payloads between 3 to 10 tonnes. Astrobase aims to provide three distinct configurations of its launch vehicle: fully expendable, partially reusable, and fully reusable. A source revealed that the target launch cost is expected to be $300 million per kilogram by the year 2034.
Production and Development Progress
According to sources, Astrobase has established an engine manufacturing facility in Bengaluru’s aerospace hub and is prepared to initiate production. The company is transitioning from the research and development phase into manufacturing, having finalised engine and vehicle designs for an orbital-class launch system.
Funding and Valuation Achievements
The space tech company has successfully secured over Rs 60 crore ($7 million) in its initial funding round, led by the venture firm BanyanCo, as evidenced by regulatory filings with the MCA. Startup Superb estimates the valuation of Astrobase at around Rs 623 crore ($72 million) during this round. The firm is making plans to secure additional funding, which will subsequently affect its valuation.
Growing Momentum in Space Tech Startups
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the growth of spacetech startups. In 2024, 13 startups in this domain raised approximately $85 million in funding. In the ongoing calendar year, 10 such startups have reported fundraising efforts surpassing $15 million.
Government Support for Space Tech
In 2025, the Indian government launched a Rs 500 crore ($58 million) fund through IN-SPACe and approved a Rs 1,000 crore ($116 million) VC fund aimed at bolstering space-tech startups. These funds are designed to enhance local development, reduce dependence on imports, and encourage greater participation from the private sector within the space industry.