Who are your biggest inspirations in space science and engineering?
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has been my greatest inspiration for his visionary leadership in India’s space and defense programs. Internationally, Elon Musk’s pursuit of reusability through SpaceX has inspired my approach to pushing technological boundaries and challenging industry norms.
What’s your roadmap for the next 3–5 years?
By 2026, we plan to test our reusable hop vehicle, followed by India’s first reusable rocket launch by 2028. By 2030, we aim to introduce medium-lift reusable launch vehicles and expand globally. For us, success means achieving reliability, reusability, and affordability in every mission we undertake.
How do you see Abyom contributing to India’s larger space ecosystem?
Abyom is building an open and collaborative ecosystem where universities, startups, and research labs can access testing, training, and propulsion resources. We aim to empower the next generation of innovators, create skilled jobs, and make India self-reliant in launch and propulsion infrastructure.
What are the biggest risks or uncertainties ahead, and how are you preparing to mitigate them?
Our main challenges are funding gaps, regulatory timelines, and technical uncertainties. We address these through phased development, close collaboration with government agencies, and extensive testing at every stage. A strong focus on indigenous design and multi-sector partnerships ensures resilience and long-term sustainability for Abyom.
