Mumbai-based startup Manastu Space has successfully tested its green propulsion system in space and it is named the Vyom 2U. it is a win for the company and also a significant step toward the growing space tech ecosystem of India.
The test was conducted aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4) of ISRO and it showcases the power of innovation by startups. The POEM-4 is derived from the fourth stage of the PSLV-C60 rocket that is a brilliant initiative by ISRO.
The Vyom 2U propulsion system of Manastu seems to be a game-changer as it uses the MS289 green propellant and provides a safer as well as a more environmentally friendly alternative to the carcinogenic hydrazine-based fuels traditionally used in satellites. It was a 30-second test and the system tilted the platform by 24 degrees. It imparted an angular velocity of 0.5 degrees per second equipped with onboard systems seamlessly regaining control afterward.
The achievement highlights collaborative spirit of India’s space sector. ISRO and IN-SPACe deserve credit for creating platforms like POEM that support innovation. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka said that such initiatives lower entry barriers and make space exploration accessible to startups as well as academic institutions.
The test symbolizes a shift in the way we view space technology apart from its technical success. It is no longer the exclusive domain of large organizations, but startups like Manastu are showing that innovation can come from anywhere.
The space achievement of Manastu is evident that bold ideas and strong support systems can drive breakthroughs. Platforms like POEM are enabling the experiments and India’s space startups are poised to make their mark on the global stage. The test just about propulsion and also about pushing boundaries as well as redefining what is possible in space exploration.
