According to Abyom Space, India will send its first astronaut for space tourism by 2035. Developing a reusable rocket capable of carrying heavier payloads into orbit requires industry collaboration. ISRO is developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), a three-stage partially reusable rocket that could be powered with eco-friendly fuel combinations. This initiative has inspired Abyom Space to become India’s first private space technology company, focusing on developing reusable rockets with specialized engines.
Objectives
The Reusable Sounding Rocket (RSR) is designed to launch satellites for various purposes, such as meteorology, weather forecasting, microgravity experiments, basic and applied biological research, and media advertising. It offers quicker launch services and reduces costs by up to 50%.
Taking Inspiration from SpaceX
Elon Musk founded SpaceX, also known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., in 2002 intending to colonize Mars and reduce the cost of space transport. The American aerospace manufacturer designs manufactures, and launches advanced spacecraft and rockets. The company’s first launch vehicle, the small-lift Falcon 1, was retired in 2009. SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, achieved the milestone of becoming the first private company to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit in December 2010.
The Astounding Journey of the Spacetech Entrepreneur
Jainul Abedin, inspired by the similarity between his name and that of Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the late president of India and aerospace scientist who worked for DRDO and ISRO, developed a deep interest in rocket science and space technology while growing up.
In 2020, at the age of 19, Jainul established Abyom Spacetech and Defence to build reusable rockets to reduce space debris and operational expenses. The company has been working on developing a liquid ignition engine to achieve this objective.
Jainul points out to Global Indian that the only companies in the world allowing the launch and return of rockets to Earth are Blue Origin and SpaceX, emphasizing that India lacks a similar organization. Despite India’s history of launching rockets since the 1960s, conventional rockets, which cannot re-land on Earth and are usable only once, are still in use.
Jainul’s innovative approach has gained recognition on prestigious space technology and aviation platforms such as ISRO, IISF, DST, Aero India, and Toycathon. Additionally, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh honored him for being the sole space technology entrepreneur in the state.
