EtherealX_ A Dream Indian Startup
Seven years ago, the notion of a fully reusable rocket was reserved for only the most ambitious space pioneers. Now, a Bengaluru-based startup called EtherealX stands on the frontline of making that vision an undeniable reality.
EtherealX’s flagship rocket, the Razor Crest Mk-1, is already turning heads in the industry. It aims to carry up to 24.8 tons into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—an impressive feat for any private space company. But the real game-changer? Complete reusability. Rather than discarding spent rocket stages into the ocean, both the booster and the upper stage are designed to cruise back to Earth and prep for the next launch.
Imagine fewer disposable parts and a faster turnaround time. That means reduced costs for satellite operators, shorter waiting periods for crucial missions, and a massive leap in India’s quest to become a leading orbital launch hub.
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Meet the Founders Powering EtherealX
At the heart of this innovation are three brilliant minds:
- Manu J. Nair – A Mechanical Engineer and lIAS Scientist-Astronaut graduate, fueled by a passion for hands-on research and human spaceflight.
- Shubhayu Sardar – A Former ISRO engineer who honed his expertise in satellite launch systems and advanced propulsion.
- Prashant Sharma – An Aerospace Engineer knee-deep in designing robust rocket structures.
Together, they founded EtherealX in 2022 with a dream: to reshape global space travel by making orbital launches more frequent, affordable, and sustainable.
The Razor Crest Mk-1: A Reusable Rocket for Ambitious Missions
Pegasus TCA: India’s First Reusable Rocket Engine
Central to the Razor Crest Mk-1’s upper stage is the Pegasus Thrust Chamber Assembly (TCA). With its 40 kN thrust capability and a specific impulse (Isp) of 293 seconds at sea level, it ranks among the most efficient semi-cryogenic engines worldwide. EtherealX’s innovation here isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about the Full Flow Segregated Cooling Cycle (FSCC)—a clever system that ensures the engine runs cleaner and cooler.
Why is FSCC a big deal?
It dramatically reduces wear and tear, making frequent re-launches far more feasible. It also helps maintain consistently high performance across multiple missions. When you multiply that advantage over dozens or hundreds of launches, the potential cost savings become astronomical—pun intended!
Competing with Giants, Targeting 2026 Launches
Visionaries always set big goals. For EtherealX, that means challenging the likes of SpaceX by 2026. They intend to launch their Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (TV) within the next couple of years, offering satellite payload customers prices between $350 and $2,000 per kilogram. Compare that to current orbital launch fees, which often exceed $5,000 per kilogram, and you begin to see why EtherealX stands out as a serious contender.
Aside from the technical feats, the real value lies in the ripple effects: cheaper LEO access translates to expanded telecom networks, cost-effective Earth observation satellites for agriculture or environmental monitoring, and even the possibility of forging into space mining or deep-space exploration down the line.
Fueling the Vision: Investors & Funding
It’s hard to undertake aerospace transformation without robust financial backing. Recently, EtherealX raised several million dollars in funding from a coalition of investors that includes YourNest, BIG Global Investments, BlueHill Capital, Campus Fund, and Golden Sparrow Ventures. According to Chief Executive Manu J. Nair, these funds will finance the finishing touches on their test facility, final engine qualifications, and the manufacturing of a larger 925 kN semi-cryogenic engine. In other words, the runway to full-scale rocket missions is more than just a dream—it’s under active development.
Riding the Spacetech Funding Wave
India’s spacetech scene is on a remarkable growth trajectory. In 2023, the sector secured $126 million in funding—up from $118 million in 2022 and just $37.6 million in 2021. Even early in the year, over $10.8 million in fresh investments had already poured in. This surge underscores India’s growing cachet in the global space ecosystem.
Ranjeet Shetye, venture partner at YourNest, cited EtherealX as the epitome of “daring founders who challenge the status quo.” Meanwhile, Preetinder S. Panjrath, CFO at BIG Capital, envisions EtherealX enabling “launch vehicles that turn around in hours for their next mission,” opening frontiers from agriculture to outer-space mining.
What’s Next for EtherealX
Looking ahead, EtherealX’s plan is clear: finalize engine testing, scale up manufacturing for their 925 kN powerhouse, and steamroll toward 2026 with a head of momentum. Whether it’s bridging communication gaps via low-cost satellite ops, propelling remote-sensing technologies cheaper than ever, or paving the road for advanced deep-space missions, EtherealX’s ambition is poised to benefit global industries in a profound way.
In a country that has already proven its mettle with Mars orbiters and lunar touchdowns, EtherealX adds a fresh entrepreneurial spark. And if they achieve their cost and efficiency goals, it might just herald a new gold standard for spaceflight—one where launching to LEO is faster, cheaper, and more accessible than we ever imagined.
Read More: Top 10 SpaceX Satellites: The Incredible Missions Shaping the Future of Space Exploration
FAQs
1. What Makes EtherealX Different From Other Private Rocket Companies?
EtherealX places complete reusability at the core of its rocket design. While some competitors reuse only the first stage, EtherealX’s plan goes further by retrieving both the booster and the upper stage. This holistic approach to reusability could significantly lower launch costs and turnaround times, placing EtherealX in direct competition with established industry giants.
2. When Will EtherealX Begin Launching Satellites?
They aim to roll out their Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (TV) by 2026. During these initial flights, EtherealX hopes to prove the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its rocket engines, building confidence among potential clients. If successful, that opens the door to routine commercial launches soon after.
