Economy · GS3.6 · 2026-10-26 · 3 min read · 2026-10-26-pm
TDB-DST Agreement with Manastu Space for Indigenous Green Propulsion Technology
The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) signed an agreement with Manastu Space Technologies for ₹116 crore funding to develop indigenous green propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles. This initiative aims to advance the technology from TRL-6 to TRL-9, enhancing India's space technology capabilities and promoting sustainable space access.
The TDB-DST agreement supports Manastu Space in advancing indigenous green propulsion technology for scalable satellite and launch vehicle applications.
Why is this in the news?
On 26 October 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), signed an agreement with Manastu Space Technologies for ₹116 crore financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to develop indigenous green propulsion technology.
What is the TDB-DST agreement with Manastu Space about?
- Financial support. TDB-DST agreed to provide ₹116 crore through the RDI Fund to Manastu Space for developing indigenous green propulsion technology.
- Project scope. The project aims to develop scalable, integrated green propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles with thrust ranging from 5 mN to 300 N.
- Technology advancement. The programme plans to advance the propulsion technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9, supporting further development, validation, and deployment.
- Funding mechanism. The financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).
What are the features and significance of the indigenous green propulsion technology?
- Technology details. Manastu Space is developing a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with additives, integrated with an engine and catalyst system.
- Advantages. The system offers improved performance, cost efficiency, and reduces operational challenges compared to conventional propellants.
- Scalability. The propulsion system has a scalable architecture to serve propulsion needs from small satellites to higher-thrust launch vehicles.
- Technical components. The project includes development of propulsion engines, propellant feed systems, and an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst for reliable operation.
- Current status. The propulsion system has already been demonstrated in space, with plans for further engineering, integration, testing, and validation.
Why does this agreement matter for India’s space technology and economy?
- Strengthening indigenous capabilities. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on externally sourced propulsion technologies by strengthening domestic capabilities in a critical space value chain component.
- Supporting sustainable space access. The green propulsion technology promotes safer and more sustainable satellite operations and space missions.
- Alignment with Deep Technology sector. The project falls under the Deep Technology sector with Space Technology as the sub-sector, reflecting focus on advanced technology development.
- Government support. TDB’s RDI Fund supports technology-intensive programmes requiring sustained investment to progress from advanced development to deployment.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ₹116 crore | Financial support provided by TDB-DST to Manastu Space under the RDI Fund | |
| ₹277.63 crore | Total project cost for the indigenous green propulsion technology development | |
| 5 mN to 300 N | Thrust range of the propulsion systems being developed |
Back to basics: Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a scale from 1 to 9 that measures the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL-1) to fully operational systems (TRL-9). Advancing a technology from TRL-6 to TRL-9 involves engineering development, integration, testing, and validation to prepare it for deployment in real-world applications.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the TDB-DST agreement with Manastu Space: 1. The agreement provides ₹116 crore funding through the RDI Fund to develop indigenous green propulsion technology. 2. The propulsion system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant and aims to advance from TRL-6 to TRL-9. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). A trap could be confusing the funding amount or the technology readiness levels; both statements are correct as per the official evidence.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the significance of government support in advancing indigenous space technologies in India, with reference to the TDB-DST agreement with Manastu Space.
Examine: Analyze how government funding and policy support contribute to the development and deployment of indigenous space technologies.
Intro: Government support plays a crucial role in advancing indigenous space technologies by providing financial and policy backing.
- Describe the TDB-DST agreement with Manastu Space for ₹116 crore funding under the RDI Fund to develop green propulsion technology.
- Explain how the project aims to advance technology readiness from TRL-6 to TRL-9, enabling deployment in satellites and launch vehicles.
- Discuss the importance of indigenous propulsion technology for reducing reliance on foreign sources and promoting sustainable space access.
- Highlight the role of sustained investment and support in deep technology sectors to strengthen India's space ecosystem.
Conclusion: The TDB-DST partnership with Manastu Space exemplifies how targeted government support can accelerate indigenous space technology development and enhance India's strategic capabilities.
Quick revision
- What is the amount of financial support provided by TDB-DST to Manastu Space?
- ₹116 crore under the Research Development and Innovation Fund.
- What technology readiness levels does the project aim to advance between?
- From TRL-6 to TRL-9.
- What type of propellant is used in the indigenous green propulsion system?
- A hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant with additives.