Mumbai-Based Manastu Space Successfully Tests Green Propulsion System "Vyom 2U" in Orbit by Onboard ISRO’s POEM-4

In a significant stride for India's burgeoning private space sector, Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space announced the successful in-orbit test of its indigenously developed green propulsion system, Vyom 2U, on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4). The test marks a breakthrough in the use of eco-friendly propellants for space applications, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in satellite technology.

The POEM-4 platform, part of the fourth stage of the PSLV-C60 rocket that launched the SpaDeX satellites earlier this week, was positioned in a 350-kilometer orbit. This module is designed as a versatile platform enabling in-orbit experimentation by ISRO, start-ups, and academic institutions.

Vyom 2U’s Successful Test Firing

On New Year's Eve, Manastu Space successfully test-fired its Vyom 2U thruster, tilting the POEM-4 platform by 24 degrees and imparting an angular velocity of 0.5 degrees per second during a controlled 30-second burn. The onboard systems of the POEM-4 then regained control seamlessly, underscoring the precision and reliability of the thruster.

Over the coming weeks, the platform is expected to execute multiple critical maneuvers using the Vyom 2U thruster, accumulating over 500 seconds of in-space firing time. This extensive testing phase aims to solidify the performance and versatility of the propulsion system.

Green Propulsion: A Game Changer

What sets Vyom 2U apart is its use of MS289 propellant, an innovative and environmentally friendly blend of hydrogen peroxide. Unlike the traditional hydrazine-based propellants commonly used in satellite propulsion systems, MS289 is non-carcinogenic and significantly safer to handle. This development represents a leap forward in minimizing environmental and health hazards associated with space missions.

Enabling In-Orbit Innovation: The Role of POEM

ISRO’s POEM platform played a crucial role in enabling this test. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) serves as a cost-effective solution for start-ups and academic institutions to test space technologies in orbit without needing to launch standalone satellites. With 24 experiments onboard—14 from ISRO labs and 10 from private entities—POEM-4 is a hub of innovation, featuring experiments ranging from green propulsion to robotic debris capture and seed germination in space.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, highlighted the importance of platforms like POEM in democratizing access to space technology. “By reducing entry barriers, we are enabling a broader range of contributors to India's space ecosystem,” he said.

The Growing Footprint of India’s Space Start-Ups

Manastu Space's success is another testament to the growing dynamism of India's private space sector. With support from ISRO and IN-SPACe, start-ups are accelerating the pace of innovation, contributing to a more robust and competitive space ecosystem.

The milestone achieved by Manastu Space with Vyom 2U underscores India’s capability to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in the global space arena while embracing sustainability. As the testing phase progresses, the world watches keenly for what this technology could mean for the future of propulsion systems in space exploration.