Indian space-tech startup Stardour has successfully tested the country’s first hydrogen-oxygen propulsion engine at IISc, Bengaluru. The engine will power Lucas, an Orbital Transfer Vehicle set for launch in 2027, advancing India’s private space and deep-space logistics capabilities.

Hyderabad: Stardour, a stealth-mode Indian space-tech startup, has successfully completed the test fire of India’s first hydrogen and oxygen propulsion engine, developed in house by Stardour and tested at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

This milestone positions Stardour at the forefront of advanced, sustainable propulsion systems, paving the way for the future of space mobility and deep-space logistics, a press release said.

Founded with a vision to redefine in-space transportation, Stardour is developing Lucas, a next generation Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) designed to conduct scientific and commercial expeditions across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Lucas is scheduled for its maiden launch in Q3 2027, marking a significant leap in India’s private space capabilities.

“This successful test fire is not just a technical milestone; it’s a signal to the world that India is ready to lead in the new era of sustainable and autonomous in-space logistics,” said Rama Rao, Director of Stardour.

Pratikash Panda, Professor at IISC, further added that, “Stardour’s recent achievement—the successful test fire of its hydrogen-oxygen engine—is a testament to its commitment to green propulsion technology and innovation in reusable spacecraft.”