?? India’s Spacetech Lift Off

Hot off the press, the news this week wasn’t just about Delhi hitting a record-scorching 52.9°C—India’s spacetech scene also saw its mercury soar higher than a villain getting a punch from Rajinikanth!

India flies the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine

Move over, PSLV! Space startup AgniKul Cosmos has blasted off with the successful launch of their SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator, or SOrTeD. It’s not just any launch—it’s a triple tadka of firsts:

1. Private Pad Power: India’s first launch from a private launchpad.

2. Semi-Cryo, Fully Cool: The first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch in the country.

3. 3D-Printed Rocketry: The first single-piece 3D-printed engine crafted entirely in India.?

?? Congratulations, Srinath Ravichandran & Moin SPM , you have done us proud!

?? All eyes on Indian spacetech, literally!

Of course we can’t talk about India’s spacetech ecosystem without a hat-tip to India's Chandrayaan-3 becoming the first mission to land on the lunar south pole. The live stream of the event on ISRO's YouTube channel also set a record, reportedly becoming the most viewed live stream in the world, with over eight million viewers. Talk about hitting it out of the stratosphere!

Taking off with 0% GST

2023 was a "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" kind of year for spacetech, thanks to the GST Council giving startups a gravity-defying boost with a 0% GST regime. This financial nudge was the perfect lift-off for innovative ideas.

The Stratospheric Rise of Startups

In recent years, around 100 spacetech startups have hitched their wagon to ISRO’s star, raising approximately $333 million across 30+ deals. It’s like these startups have found their Raj and Simran moment on the DDLJ train, ready for a cosmic happily ever after.

Spacetech Powered by RUMS

India Accelerator ’s RUMS (Robotics, Unmanned & Space) is on a mission to inject $10-15 million into early-stage robotics and space startups. It’s like a chai break for spacetech—fueling innovation in defence, healthcare, and other critical industries.

?? Startups with Out-of-This-World Solutions

?? SatSure is turning satellite imagery into intelligence to tackle food, water, and energy security. Truly, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” solutions.

?? Pixxel is using hyperspectral imagery to monitor Earth's health, from air quality to soil conditions. Seeing Earth with a clarity that’d make Anil Kapoor say, "Jhakaas!"

?? PierSight is building a SAR satellite constellation for maritime monitoring. Picture Aamir Khan's perfectionist touch in "Taare Zameen Par."

???? Ethereal Exploration Guild is aiming to make space transportation more affordable and frequent. Like giving space travel the “Chennai Express” speed boost.

?? SpaceFields is reimagining rocket propulsion for quicker, cost-effective launches. Think “Fast & Furious” but in orbit.

?? Digantara is designing a space debris detector to keep our orbits clean and safe. A "Swachh Bharat" mission for space!

??? Dhruva Space is creating small satellite platforms for diverse markets. Like serving up a thali with something for everyone.

?? The Audacious Space Umbrella Plan to Cool Earth*

Not quite Indian, but here’s some wacky news from the space realm that seems like something right out of a Rajinikanth film! An international team led by Professor Yoram Rozen is considering a sci-fi solution to global warming: deploying a colossal space umbrella to shield Earth from the Sun’s rays. It’s the ultimate jugaad to combat climate change—like a real-life “Sholay” hero’s audacious plan!

With India’s spacetech on an upward trajectory, it’s clear that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning. Time to put on your shades because the future is bright!

That’s a wrap folks!

?? Stay hungry for more tantalising tales, mind-bending breakthroughs, and laughter-filled bites in our next edition of The Weekly Scoop! Until then, keep feasting on big dreams!

Happy weekending! Catch you on the flip side! ???

Written by: Ryan Frantz

Edited by: Surya Kannoth