New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI) Bengaluru-based space-tech startup Astrobase Space Technologies on Friday unveiled India’s first privately built full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine.
FFSC rocket engine is one of the most advanced rocket engine architectures globally, as it provides the highest levels of performance by utilising all the propellant.
Known as the ‘EVEREST’, Astrobase’s engine is powered by liquid oxygen and methane, and produces 800 kilonewtons of thrust. It is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles, supporting precision control, faster turnaround and improved launch economics.
The engine, however, is yet to be tested, and the testing timelines have not been finalised yet.
In a statement, Neeraj Khandelwal, co-founder and CEO of the company, said, “EVEREST is not a standalone technology demonstration; it represents the foundation of an industrial capability that India will increasingly need in the years ahead.” “With tens of thousands of satellites expected to be deployed over the coming decade, indigenous high-thrust propulsion systems and scalable launch infrastructure will be critical to strengthening India’s position in the global space economy,” he added.
The company plans to set up infrastructure to manufacture up to 50 EVEREST engines annually.
It said this will support its first milestone: enabling approximately 100 tonnes of launch capacity per annum in Phase 1 (can sustain a Low Earth orbit fleet of around 500-700 satellites), and more than 1,000 tonnes in Phase 2. PTI ALC PRK
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