Apurwa Masook (SpaceFields): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Apurwa Masook is an Indian entrepreneur and aerospace innovator, best known as the co-founder and CEO of SpaceFields, a Bengaluru-based deeptech startup specializing in advanced rocket propulsion technologies. Emerging from his early passion for space science and engineering, Masook has become a pivotal figure in India’s private space sector, driving indigenous development of solid-fuel propulsion systems that serve both commercial spaceflight and national defense. His visionary leadership at SpaceFields has attracted significant investor attention and government collaboration, marking him as a rising star in Asia’s burgeoning space-tech ecosystem. This article explores ten key aspects of Apurwa Masook’s journey, achievements, and the pioneering work of SpaceFields.

1. Early Life and Educational Background

Apurwa Masook grew up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. As a bright and ambitious student, he showed exceptional academic prowess from an early age, excelling in his studies and nurturing a passion for engineering and space technology. He pursued his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in civil and structural engineering at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, where he was actively involved in pioneering rocketry projects. Later, he enhanced his entrepreneurial and innovation skills via programs such as the MIT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. This blend of technical and business education laid a strong foundation for his future ventures.

2. Origin of SpaceFields and Entrepreneurial Vision

Inspired by his experience in the VSSUT Satellite Launch Vehicle (VSLV) student team and driven by a desire to push India’s space capabilities, Apurwa co-founded SpaceFields in 2021 alongside Sudarshan Samal and Rounak Agrawal. The startup focuses on building next-generation turnkey rocket propulsion systems tailored for commercial spaceflight, defense applications, and national security. Masook envisioned SpaceFields as a vehicle to democratize space access through indigenous, innovative propulsion technologies, positioning the company at the frontier of India’s emerging private space ecosystem.

3. SpaceFields’ Technological Innovations

Under Apurwa’s leadership, SpaceFields has developed advanced solid rocket motor platforms, including India’s first aerospike rocket engine—a highly efficient design that addresses challenges seen in traditional bell-shaped nozzles. The company emphasizes dual-use propulsion technology, catering both to commercial customers and defense agencies. SpaceFields has filed multiple patents (over ten, with some already granted) reflecting its proprietary innovations in rocket propulsion materials, design, and manufacturing processes. This technology allows for smaller, more reliable engines that can empower diverse aerospace vehicles.

4. Fundraising and Growth Trajectory

Since its inception, SpaceFields has made remarkable progress in financing, securing strong support from angel and institutional investors. In 2024, the company raised approximately $800,000 (about Rs 6.5 crore) in seed funding led by HVB 88 Angels and O2 Angels Network. Further growth was marked by a substantial pre-Series A round in September 2025, with SpaceFields securing $5 million (about Rs 42 crore) led by Globaz Technologies and co-led by Rockstud Capital, Venture Catalysts, and others. These funds are being channeled to scale manufacturing, enhance R&D, and expand the team across engineering, business, and operations.

5. Strategic Collaborations and Clients

SpaceFields has successfully forged partnerships and contracts with prominent Indian defense and space institutions. Its clientele includes the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), tri-services of the Indian armed forces, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and various aerospace original equipment manufacturers. Through these collaborations, SpaceFields works on customized propulsion solutions for tactical drones, satellites, sounding rockets, and other aerospace platforms, cementing its role as a critical player in India’s sovereign aerospace supply chain.

6. Role in Democratizing Indian Space Technology

Masook and SpaceFields advocate for increased private sector participation in India’s space economy, emphasizing the need to absorb and commercialize critical technologies for large-scale impact. Masook has publicly stated that the true scale of India’s space ambitions will be realized when innovations from startups like SpaceFields are integrated into national missions. His efforts contribute to transforming the Indian spacetech ecosystem from government-dominated to a vibrant, innovation-driven industry with entrepreneurial dynamism and global competitiveness.

7. Recognition and Awards

Apurwa Masook’s leadership and innovative contributions have earned him multiple accolades. Notably, he was featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list for Industry, Manufacturing & Energy in 2025. SpaceFields has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Nasscom Emerge 50 Award in Space & Defence and has garnered support via India's Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative through which it has secured multiple contracts and grant funds. Additionally, Masook’s team has received commendations from government officials and featured in national programs like Prime Minister’s “Mann Ki Baat.”

8. Challenges in Building a Deeptech Startup

Apurwa candidly speaks about the arduous journey of entrepreneurship in the deeptech and aerospace sector, likening it to “jumping off a cliff and building an airplane on the way down.” Starting SpaceFields involved overcoming technical complexities, regulatory hurdles, financial constraints, and skepticism from naysayers. His approach embraces contrarian thinking, resilience, and the willingness to take high risks despite uncertainties—a mindset key to innovating in rocket propulsion, a field traditionally dominated by legacy defense and aerospace companies.

9. Vision for Future Growth and Impact

Looking ahead, Masook intends to expand SpaceFields’ manufacturing capabilities and secure regulatory certifications vital for defense-grade quality. The company plans to broaden its technology portfolio across propulsion types, including cryogenic engines, and enhance thrust vectoring to achieve higher performance and versatility. Strategically, SpaceFields aims to position itself as a sovereign technology leader not just in India but globally, contributing to the new space economy by enabling more frequent, affordable, and reliable launches.

10. SpaceFields in the Indian SpaceTech Ecosystem

SpaceFields operates as an IISc-incubated startup, benefiting from academic-industry synergy and government support from Karnataka, Odisha, and India’s startup ecosystem. Amidst a burgeoning cluster of Indian space startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel, SpaceFields stands out for its specialization in rocket propulsion hardware innovation. Apurwa Masook’s story inspires younger generations, showing that world-class space technology entrepreneurship is possible starting from tier-two cities and university projects, promoting innovation beyond traditional centers.

Conclusion

Apurwa Masook exemplifies a new breed of Indian entrepreneurs who combine technical mastery with bold vision to transform the country’s aerospace ambitions. Starting from student rocketry roots to leading a deeptech startup designing sophisticated rocket propulsion systems, his journey reflects immense perseverance and innovation. Under his leadership, SpaceFields is catalyzing indigenous space technology development, enhancing national security capabilities, and injecting fresh dynamism into India’s space sector. As SpaceFields scales up, its success poses a thought-provoking question: how will India’s private aerospace ventures redefine global space exploration and defense in the coming decades?