Astrobase expands rocket testing infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Astrobase has decided to significantly expand its rocket testing infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. According to a BusinessLine report, the company has announced that it will expand its current 22-acre facility in Andhra Pradesh to approximately 360 acres by adding another 339 acres of land. The main objective of this expansion is to accelerate the development of next-generation reusable launch vehicle technology. An investment of ₹800 crore will be made by Astrobase Space Technologies for this ambitious project.

As part of this project, Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board. Under this agreement, the company's rocket engine testing facility located at Thimmasamudram in Sri Sathya Sai district will be made more capable. This expansion will help the company strengthen its capabilities in the critical phases of development, testing, and validation of launch vehicles.

Neeraj Khandelwal, CEO and co-founder of Astrobase Space Technologies, stated regarding this development that the expanded infrastructure will enable the company to conduct critical test programs such as static hot-fire tests and stage-level hop tests. He further added that this facility will accelerate the development of reusable launch vehicle technology. India has already proven its remarkable capabilities in space research and technology, and this investment is an important step in that direction.

Prior to this investment in Andhra Pradesh, the company had recently announced an investment of ₹500 crore in Karnataka. Spread over approximately 10 acres in Bengaluru, this manufacturing facility includes advanced additive manufacturing and fabrication infrastructure. In addition, non-destructive testing (NDT), quality inspection facilities, as well as engine and stage assembly and integration capabilities are also being developed there. All these facilities are designed to support the development of the company's Everest engine and AB220 medium-lift launch vehicle.

Astrobase Space Technologies is a private sector space tech startup company, primarily working in the field of launch vehicle design, manufacturing, and testing. The company's main objective has been to strengthen India's reach in the space sector by developing cutting-edge engine technology and reusable rocket systems. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company is currently establishing its identity in the Indian space sector through its various projects.