Manastu Space Technologies, an India-based space technology startup, has secured US$3 million in an extended series A round led by Bangalore’s Capital-A.

Existing backers such as Capital 2B, IAN, E2MC, the Bhagnani family office, and Jeet Chandan also joined the round.

Manastu develops sustainable propulsion and in-orbit servicing technologies for satellites, including green propulsion systems and debris-avoidance solutions.

The company plans to use the new funding to roll out its commercial offerings and expand internationally, focusing on the US, Europe, and Asia.

Founded in 2017 by IIT Bombay alumni Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar, Manastu is also developing technologies for satellite refuelling, deorbiting, and mission life extension.

🔗 Source: Manastu Space

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Major space agencies have validated green propulsion technology in orbit

Manastu’s green propulsion approach builds on proven technology that NASA successfully tested in space five years ago.

NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission demonstrated that alternative fuels can effectively replace hydrazine when a satellite successfully fired all five thrusters using AF-M315E green propellant and lowered its orbit in July 20191.

The successful orbital demonstration removed significant technical risk from the green propulsion concept, showing these systems can perform critical maneuvers like orbit changes in the harsh space environment.

This precedent helps explain investor confidence in Manastu’s technology, as the fundamental viability of green propulsion has already been established by a major space agency.

The five-year gap between NASA’s proof-of-concept and Manastu’s commercial deployment timeline reflects typical technology transfer patterns from government research to private sector applications.

2️⃣ Operational safety advantages create compelling economics beyond environmental benefits

The shift away from hydrazine offers immediate cost savings through simplified ground operations and reduced safety protocols.

Traditional hydrazine propellant requires personnel to wear pressurized hazmat suits during handling due to its high toxicity, while green propellants are safe enough to ship without special precautions1.