IIT Kharagpur Develops Indigenous Propellant for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission

India’s journey towards becoming a global space power has reached another historic milestone, this time powered by innovation from West Bengal.

Researchers from IIT Kharagpur have successfully developed a boron-based chemical propellant that will play a critical role in igniting the rocket engine for ISRO’s Mission Gaganyaan, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission, expected to launch in 2027.

A Breakthrough Led from Kharagpur

The breakthrough has been achieved by researcher-professor Dr. Shantanu Panda in collaboration with entrepreneur Debashis Mondal, under the leadership of IIT Kharagpur Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty. This innovation marks a significant step forward for India’s space ecosystem, strengthening the country’s push towards technological self-reliance.

Until now, ISRO had to import this critical propellant from the United States, making India dependent on foreign suppliers for a key component of its space missions. The successful development of this boron-based propellant within the country not only reduces strategic dependence but also enhances India’s control over mission-critical technologies.

Why This Matters for Gaganyaan

Mission Gaganyaan is poised to be a defining chapter in India’s scientific history. It will be the first mission to carry Indian astronauts—vyomanauts—into space, placing India among a select group of nations capable of human spaceflight.

The ignition propellant developed at IIT Kharagpur is a vital component that ensures reliable and precise engine ignition, a non-negotiable requirement for crewed missions where safety, accuracy, and performance are paramount.

Academia Meets Entrepreneurship

This achievement also stands out as a powerful example of academia–industry collaboration. The partnership between cutting-edge academic research and entrepreneurial execution highlights how Indian institutions are translating laboratory breakthroughs into real-world applications that serve national missions.

It reinforces the idea that India’s future in deep-tech innovation lies in collaborative ecosystems, where universities, startups, and national agencies work together towards shared goals.

Bengal’s Growing Role in India’s Tech Story

From space science to IT and deep-tech research, Bengal continues to quietly strengthen its footprint in India’s innovation landscape. IIT Kharagpur’s contribution to Gaganyaan is yet another reminder that world-class research and nation-building technologies are emerging from the state.

A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat

As India prepares to send its own astronauts into space aboard an indigenous mission, innovations like this propellant bring the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat closer to reality. They represent confidence, capability, and a future where India builds critical technologies at home.