Team Startupcity

• Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 crore in a pre-seed round to develop a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle for small satellites.
• The Pune-based startup has successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine using just Rs 6 lakh in internal funding before this round.
• Funds will support prototype development, R&D expansion, and the co-development of space tech with ISRO.

Pune-based deep-tech space startup Astrophel Aerospace has raised Rs 6.84 crore (approximately $800,000) in a pre-seed funding round backed by a consortium of angel investors and venture capital firms. The capital will be used to develop a prototype of its reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and strengthen its in-house R&D capabilities, particularly in advanced propulsion and guidance systems.

Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, Astrophel is focused on building cost-effective, reusable rockets for small satellite launches. The startup operates on a vertically integrated model, designing, engineering, and testing its propulsion systems in-house. Its Astra C1 rocket series is powered by semi-cryogenic engines built using modular assembly and 3D printing technologies.

Remarkably, Astrophel is among the few Indian private firms to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, achieved with just Rs 6 lakh in internal funding prior to this investment. The company is now targeting a reusable working prototype within the next 2–3 years.

Its flagship Potentia C1U engine adopts modular design principles inspired by the automotive sector. Astrophel has also signed a memorandum of understanding with ISRO to collaborate on co-development and testing.

Astrophel competes with leading Indian space-tech players like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, and Pixxel in the rapidly growing private space ecosystem.