Astrophel Aerospace Secures Rs 6.84 Crore in Pre-seed Round

Space technology venture Astrophel Aerospace has raised Rs 6.84 crore (around $800K) in a pre-seed funding round from a group of angel investors and venture firms. 

The startup will use the proceeds to develop a prototype of its reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and to expand its in-house R&D focused on creating advanced missile-grade guidance and propulsion systems.

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“India’s private space sector is at an inflection point,” said Suyash Bafna, Co-founder of Astrophel. “We’re building reusable systems and precision components aimed at lowering costs and improving access to space.” In addition to propulsion systems, Astrophel is working with a publicly listed Indian manufacturer to jointly produce cryogenic valves, which have applications in both civilian and defence aerospace sectors.

“Reusable rockets and advanced propulsion systems remain among the most demanding engineering challenges in the sector,” said Immanuel Louis, Co-founder. This funding enables us to stay focused on execution while pushing forward with R&D. With its first suborbital launch approaching, Astrophel is positioning itself as a next generation launch infrastructure company designed to support India’s rising ambitions in outer space."

About Astrophel Aerospace

Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, Astrophel Aerospace is focused on developing cost-effective, reusable launch vehicles designed specifically for small satellites. Operating on a vertically integrated model, the company designs, engineers and tests its own propulsion systems in-house.

Its Astra C1 series rockets are powered by semi-cryogenic engines developed internally and built using a mix of 3D printing and modular assembly techniques.

Astrophel stands out as one of the few Indian private companies to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, achieving this milestone with just Rs 6 lakh in internal resources and no external funding prior to its current round. It now aims to build a working, reusable prototype within the next 2–3 years.

The company’s flagship Potentia C1U engine uses modular design and manufacturing methods inspired by the automotive sector. Astrophel has also signed an MoU with ISRO to collaborate on co-development and testing efforts.