TDB signs ₹116-crore support agreement for Manastu Space propulsion project

The Technology Development Board has signed an agreement to provide ₹116 crore in support to Navi Mumbai-based Manastu Space Technologies for a green propulsion development programme, according to an October 26 Ministry of Science and Technology release through PIB. The support comes under the Research Development and Innovation Fund and will take the form of optionally convertible debt. It is not described as an unrestricted grant or a completed disbursement.

The total project cost is ₹277.63 crore. The programme covers integrated propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles across a thrust range of 5 millinewtons to 300 newtons. Its stated goal is to advance the technology from readiness level six to level nine through further engineering, integration, testing and validation.

The ministry says the system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based propellant with additives, alongside an integrated engine and catalyst system. It also reports that the underlying propulsion technology has been demonstrated in space. The new programme builds on that base; the agreement does not establish that every planned configuration has already completed validation or reached wider deployment.

Performance, cost, safety and sustainability benefits remain claims attributed to the ministry and developer. The release does not supply an independent comparison or a full mission-by-mission test record.

Source: Ministry of Science and Technology / Press Information Bureau, October 26, 2026. Original English and Telugu reporting by KROV based on the official release.