The Astrobase rocket engine has been fully integrated, but the Indian startup still needs to complete a full-scale hot-fire test as it works toward a first orbital launch targeted for December 2028.

Key Takeaways

  • Component and subsystem tests are underway for the 800 kN-class EVEREST engine.
  • Astrobase is developing a reusable rocket designed to carry about eight tonnes to low Earth orbit.
  • The company has raised about $13.5 million but has not disclosed the capital needed to reach its first orbital flight.

Astrobase rocket engine faces full-scale test

Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies is developing EVEREST around a full-flow staged combustion propulsion architecture. The engine is largely fabricated using 3D printing, and the company has built its own methane engine testing facility.

The full-scale hot-fire test is a critical step in validating the engine’s performance. The company plans to use the same engine architecture for both stages of its medium-lift rocket, allowing it to develop one design rather than separate propulsion systems.

Reusable launch ambitions and funding

Astrobase estimates it could take five to 10 flights before it successfully lands and recovers the rocket’s first stage. The estimate underscores the work still needed after engine development to establish a reusable launch system.

The startup sees an opportunity in expanding Indian launch capacity. Its longer-term ambition is to increase annual orbital launch capacity from around 100 tonnes to more than 1,000 tonnes and produce about 50 engines a year.

Astrobase has also been selected under IN-SPACe’s Technology Adoption Fund. It has not set a launch-cost target, saying it needs to complete system validation first, or disclosed the funding required to scale commercial operations.

Next milestone

The next milestone is a full-scale hot-fire test of EVEREST; no test date was disclosed.

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