6/29/2019 A startup by IIT-Bombay alumni is fuelling a cheaper and greener way to propel satellites into space

A startup by IIT-Bombay alumni is fuelling a

cheaper and greener way to propel satellites into
space
yourstory.com/2019/06/iit-bombay-spacetech-startup-green-satellite-isro

June 28, 2019

Founded by Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar, Manastu Space has developed a
green satellite propulsion system. The spacetech startup is helping propel satellites
with a system that is 25 percent more powerful and 60 percent cheaper than
conventional chemical propulsion systems.

India is now witnessing a space revolution. It has showcased its prowess in the last
few years with successful space missions and innovations, and startups want a slice
of the space pie too. Most of them cater to private sectors across the globe to either
put their satellites in orbit or manufacture one for them. And as the sector is
maturing world over, other concerns are being paid more attention to, such as
greener and safer solutions. This is where Mumbai- and Bengaluru-based
spacetech startup Manastu Space comes in.

Over 4,000 small satellites are in orbit, and most of them are for earth
observatories, which generate high-quality data and images used to study the
earth’s topography. Private small satellites must make sure they stay long in the
earth’s orbit in a cost-effective manner. At present, most of these satellites’
chemical propulsion uses highly toxic fuels. These can not only cause instant
death if not handled with care, but are also less efficient and productive, resulting
in an increase in the overall operational cost.

There are over 4,000 small satellites in the earth's orbit

But Manastu Space has a solution - the startup is developing a green chemical propulsion
system for satellites. It has also created a safe satellite propulsion fuel, which is less toxic,
compared to existing chemical-based satellite propulsion fuels.

The startup was founded by Tushar Jadhav (28), a former DRDO scientist and
Ashtesh Kumar (25), Technological Leader Head, Electrical Systems, Pratham, IIT
Bombay's student satellite project, in 2016. The duo met when both were working
on Pratham on a 10 kg satellite, which was designed to the count the number of
electrons in the ionosphere. Tushar is a graduate (BTech, MTech) of Aerospace
Engineering while Ashtesh graduated with a BTech & MTech in Mechanical
Engineering, both from IIT Bombay.

Keeping space clean

Seeing matching synergies, the duo decided to start up together to produce a green
propulsion system.

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6/29/2019 A startup by IIT-Bombay alumni is fuelling a cheaper and greener way to propel satellites into space

Just like the engine keeps a vehicle running, satellites have propulsion systems that
keep them in orbit. There are two types of propulsion systems - an electric
propulsion and a chemical-based propulsion system. Presently, most satellites use
chemical-based propulsion and are fuelled by a hydrazine-based propellant, which
has a specific impulse or can fire for only 220 seconds and is highly toxic.

Manastu's, on the other hand, uses less indigenous toxic fuel, and can provide an impulse
for 275 seconds, making it 25 percent more productive as it consumes 25 percent less
fuel, and promises a life span of five years for the satellites in orbit. At present, the
prototype is under testing at its laboratory in Mumbai and at the Shell Oil and Gas campus
at Bengaluru.

Further, the propulsion provided by Manastu Space is 60 percent cheaper

compared to its competitors in the market. This is because since the fuel is 40 times
less toxic than hydrazine, the kind currently used by companies, it results in lesser
money spent to ensure safety and handling.

Explaining the new system’s cost-effectiveness, Tushar says,

“The new fuel has 25 percent higher performance and hence, 25 percent less fuel is
required for each satellite, making it 25 percent lighter. A two-tonne satellite using the old
fuel will cost $40 million to launch. The same satellite, with new fuel, will weigh 1.5
tonnes and cost $28 million for launch, thus saving $12 million while making it half a
tonne lighter.”

Tushar Jadhav (middle) met Ashtesh Kumar (right) in 2016 when both were working
on Pratham, IIT Bombay's student satellite project

A universe of opportunities
The startup comprises eight members. In terms of guidance, the team has two
advisers. Prof Arindrajit Chowdhury from the Department of Mechanical
Engineering – IIT isan expert on combustion and has been mentoring the team on
the development of the combustion chamber and fuel compositions.

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6/29/2019 A startup by IIT-Bombay alumni is fuelling a cheaper and greener way to propel satellites into space

The other adviser, Prof Jayesh Bellare from the Department of Chemical
Engineering – IIT Bombay,is an expert in synthesis and characterisation of new
catalyst materials and has been providing help in this area.

Manastu Space’s focus is on low-earth orbit satellites, which are the major
consumers of the chemical-based propulsion system. When asked about private
players in this space, Tushar explains,

“Around 15,000 satellites are planned in the next six-nine years. Eight constellations from
the likes of SpaceX, Samsung, and Boeing will be sending thousands of satellites to
provide internet to half the world’s population, and these satellite manufacturers are our
customers in the near future.”

Manastu Space’s potential customers also include Lockheed Martin and Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The startup is in talks with ISRO for a
commercial development order following a technical review.

It provides a complete propulsion system, which includes engine, fuel, tank and
other vital parts like thrusters with catalyst and fuel.

Ashtesh says,

“A majority of customers have similar requirements except for changes in the thrust of the
thruster and size of the propellant tank. The customer will be charged on sale per unit of
these propulsion systems.”

Looking skyward

In 2018, Manastu Space won the Indian Innovation Growth Programme, conducted
by Lockheed Martin and Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Running a startup that helps satellites stay in space for long is no joke as the
founders need investments in the initial stages to set up testing phases and build
prototypes. But many innovators are cropping up in the space. Take, for example,

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6/29/2019 A startup by IIT-Bombay alumni is fuelling a cheaper and greener way to propel satellites into space

Pixxel, with its small satellite constellation, or Agnikul Cosmos, which builds small
launch vehicles for small satellites. These startups have come up with cost-effective
solutions to cater to the needs of the global private space industry.

Tushar and Ashtesh have together invested Rs 50 lakh for the development of
Manastu's technology at the laboratory scale. In 2018, the startup won the Indian
Innovation Growth Programme, which gave them a prize money ofRs 25 lakh from
Lockheed Martin and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Now,
Manastu is also a part of the Shell E4 accelerator programme.

“We also received funding from Shell Oil and Gas, India recently. Shell is also providing
us with technical facilities and mentorship for development of some components of the
technologies," Ashtesh adds.

ISRO is also helping Manastu Space through mentorship and guidance in developing
this new technology.

In the near future, the startup is looking to reach Technology Readiness Level 7.
This will mean that Manastu is ready to prove the performance of the propulsion in
a simulated environment. Once this is successful, the propulsion system will be
ready to put the satellite into space for flight testing.

Then, even the sky will not be the limit for this young startup.

Krishna Reddy

With a keen interest in the field of science and a passion

for writing, I look forward to exploring and telling the
world about the niche innovations that hold the capacity…

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