Astrophel Aerospace raises Rs 6.84 Cr in pre-seed round

Deep-tech space startup 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 Pune-based startup will use the funds to build a prototype of its reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and to expand in-house R&D efforts focused on building advanced missile-grade guidance and propulsion systems.

Founded in 2022 by Suyash Bafna, Astrophel Aerospace is building cost-effective, reusable launch vehicles specifically tailored for small satellites. It operates on a vertically integrated model designing, engineering, and testing propulsion systems in-house. 

The firm’s Astra C1 series rockets are powered by in-house developed semi-cryogenic engines and built using a combination of 3D printing and modular assembly. 

Astrophel claims to be among a limited number of Indian private companies to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine, and achieved this with just Rs 6 lakh in internal resources and no external funding before this round. It is now aiming for a working, reusable prototype within the next 2–3 years.

The startup is building its flagship Potentia C1U engine using modular design and manufacturing principles adapted from the automotive sector. Astrophel has also signed an MoU with ISRO to support co-development and testing. 

In India, its key competitors include Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace and Pixxel among others.