Astrobase builds Everest engine for reusable medium-lift rockets

Indian startup Astrobase Technologies unveiled Everest, the country's first full-flow staged combustion engine, an 80-tonne (800 kN) methane-powered design. The company targets its first orbital flight by the end of 2028 and plans to grow from 70 to 300 employees.

• Everest engine delivers 800 kN using methane and liquid oxygen, built in Bengaluru
• India becomes the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to develop an FFSC engine
• Methane engines can be reused over 50 times versus 10-12 for kerosene
• First orbital flight targeted for the end of 2028