'Astrobase' builds India’s most advanced full-flow staged combustion rocket engine

Astrobase building the next generation of high performance indian rockets. (Image: X/@Lokeshkr73)

An Indian startup is developing next-generation rocket engine technology. 'Astrobase' is building a high-performance methane engine for future launch vehicles. The company was founded in 2024 by industry and spaceflight veterans. Its work signals India’s growing ambitions in commercial spaceflight.

The company Astrobase is developing a Full-Flow Staged Combustion rocket engine.

The engine uses liquid oxygen and methane propellants. This cycle is among the most efficient propulsion systems available. Only a few global companies have successfully attempted this design.

🇮🇳 Astrobase: Quietly Building the Next Generation of High performance Indian Rockets.@astrobase_space is an Indian aerospace startup founded in 2024 by Neeraj Khandelwal, co-founder of CoinDCX and Devakumar Thammisetty, Ex-ISRO scientist.

With highly experienced Ex-ISRO… pic.twitter.com/6VwjKdtcC4 — Lokesh KR (@Lokeshkr73) December 15, 2025

The engine architecture mirrors SpaceX’s Raptor methane engine design. Full-flow combustion increases efficiency, reliability, and reusability potential. Both fuel and oxidiser pass through separate preburners before combustion. This reduces thermal stress and extends engine operational lifespan.

Astrobase completed a sub-scale hot-fire test in September 2025. The test validated combustion stability, materials and flow systems. It marked a critical milestone for India’s private rocket engine development. Full-scale engine tests are planned from 2026 onwards.

Seven engines will likely power Astrobase’s medium-lift launch vehicle. The booster measures four metres in diameter. It is designed as a reusable first stage. The concept closely resembles Falcon 9–style recovery architecture.

Astrobase is targeting a maiden orbital launch by 2029. The company is building infrastructure, hardware and test facilities quietly. Its team includes experienced former ISRO engineers and specialists. Astrobase represents India’s shift toward advanced private launch systems.