Manastu and Axelspace plan study of orbital propulsion demonstration

Manastu Space and Japan’s Axelspace plan to assess whether the Indian company’s green propulsion system can be integrated into an Axelspace spacecraft for an orbital demonstration. Axelspace disclosed the memorandum of understanding on 26 October, describing a study through its AxelLiner Laboratory service.

The companies will examine technical requirements and other integration details, according to Axelspace. The announcement leaves the demonstration as a possibility; it gives no launch date, spacecraft assignment or completed integration result. News9 Live’s report also places the collaboration at the assessment stage.

Manastu develops propulsion for satellites and launch-vehicle upper stages. Axelspace describes its MS-289 propellant as a proprietary hydrogen peroxide-and-alcohol formulation with additives. Claimed improvements in handling, safety and performance are the developer’s objectives, rather than results established by this proposed demonstration.

AxelLiner Laboratory offers space aboard Axelspace microsatellites for customers to test components and mission equipment in orbit. Axelspace introduced the service in July 2024; its original description included a satellite-bus emulator for customers to run connection tests before flight.

Axelspace director Daigo Orihara’s statement frames the service as one option Manastu is considering. Whether the assessment leads to a demonstration mission, and on what schedule, remains open in the published announcement.