New Delhi: Bengaluru-based new space startup Astrobase has successfully conducted a cold flow test of high-speed turbo pumps, with the performance exceeding
predictions. The turbo pumps feed the fuel to the flow staged combustion engine being developed by Astrobase, with 3D printed core components, providing 800 kN of thrust. A sub-scale test was successfully conducted in September 2025. Astrobase plans to conduct a full-scale test of its engine along with a static fire test in 2026, and then demonstrate a vertical takeoff vertical landing flight in 2027.
High-speed turbo pumps tested successfully, marking a major milestone in high-thrust rocket engine development. The performance exceeded predictions, paving the way for hot testing in coming months.
Here is a footage that captured this milestone! pic.twitter.com/TFzGk9ToNt— Astrobase Space (@astrobase_space) January 12, 2026
Astrobase was founded in 2024 by Neeraj Khandelwal, the cofounder of CoinDCX and Devakumar Thammisetty, an ex-ISRO scientist with over 13 years of experience in rocket propulsion. Thammisetty is an expert in cryogenic systems and has contributed to the upper stage of the GSLV, as well as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. In December last year, Astrobose was cleared to establish a high-thrust LOX-LNG Rocket Engine Test Facility in Andhra Pradesh, sprawling across 21.5 acres.
The need for reusable small rockets
Astrobase is among a number of new space startups across India that is developing a reusable launcher for small satellites. Most of the cost of reaching orbit is lifting the payload through the lower atmosphere, which is accomplished by the first stage of rockets, or the booster. Recovering and reusing the booster brings down the cost of reaching orbit significantly. Astrobase aims to provide affordable, on-demand access to Earth orbit with a rapid turnaround time between launches. Astrobase aims to cater to the burgeoning demand for launching small satellites. After validating the capabilities of recovering its booster, Astrobase plans its first orbital flight in 2029.
