Space no bar

The company is experimenting with electric propulsion systems to extend the life of nano-satellites by almost three times. If this works out, manufacturers could set up nano-satellite constellations, slashing the cost of operations and maintenance. “One of our long-term goals has also been to develop reusable launch vehicles dedicated to micro- and nano-satellites,” said Ganapathy.

The space has truly bitten a tribe of the Indian techie. Many of these highly motivated engineers are quitting jobs at reputed MNCs to start companies in space exploration. An example would be Rajaguru K. Nathan, 33, who hails from a farming family in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. After topping the district in school and college, Nathan moved to Chennai, where he did an M.Tech in aerospace engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology. Then on to Bengaluru, where he worked as an aerodynamist at General Electric’s John F. Welch Technology Centre for four years. Then, he launched his baby, Aeolus Aero Tech.

“I am a first generation entrepreneur,” Nathan said. “My father Krishnaswamy was a farmer and did not get an opportunity to study. But, he always encouraged me to do something new. I lost him in 2010, but his encouragement is always there with me.”

Aeolus Aero Tech is the first private company in India with permission to access the International Space Station for microgravity research. The company is aiming to develop aerospace testing and teaching equipment in India, and also techniques to do space-based microgravity research. “Our main revenue comes from testing equipment supplies. We are the first Indian company to be selected for a US-based space business accelerator programme,” said Nathan.

The company is also technical partner of Abdul Kalam Educational satellite, aka AK Edusat, India’s first student communication satellite. The store-and-forward satellite is funded by NGOs and supported by retired ISRO scientists. The satellite will receive course material from ground stations and beam it to digital libraries nationwide.

- The Week

- Mohammed Abdul Kadher