Abyom, a pioneering startup founded in 2020 by Jainul Abedin and Pranchal Gupta, is on a mission to transform India’s space industry by developing innovative, reusable launch vehicles and cryogenic rocket engines.
With its eyes set on becoming a global player, Abyom is addressing the pressing challenges of cost and sustainability in space exploration.
From building India’s first Plug & Play rocket engine testing facility to making strides in reusable space technologies, Abyom is paving the way for a new era in space exploration.
Solving the Challenges of Space Launches
The global space industry faces significant challenges, including high launch costs, long waiting times for satellite launches, and the ever-growing threat of space debris.
Abyom has stepped into this landscape to offer solutions that could revolutionize how space missions are conducted.
Abyom’s key innovation is its development of reusable rocket engines that can dramatically lower the cost per launch, ensuring more affordable access to space.
At the heart of its technology is the re-ignitable and throttleable cryogenic rocket engine, which enables cost-effective multi-launch missions, an essential feature for a space industry that demands flexibility and frequent launches.
Additionally, Abyom is developing suborbital reusable sounding rockets and small to medium reusable launch vehicles, aimed at reducing satellite launch costs while improving launch frequency and reliability.
Plug & Play Rocket Engine Testing Facility
One of Abyom’s most significant achievements is the creation of India’s first-ever Plug & Play rocket engine testing facility located in Hyderabad.
This facility is designed to test engines up to 50 kN thrust and has been operational since February 2024.
Equipped with state-of-the-art tools, software, and testing equipment, the facility has successfully conducted over 150 rigorous tests on its 2.5 kN non-cryogenic engine, mastering the Pintle Injection System for the first time in India.
This unique facility addresses a critical need in the Indian space sector: the lack of testing infrastructure for space propulsion systems.
Abyom’s testing platform allows for rapid prototyping and testing of rocket engines, making it easier and faster for space tech companies, researchers, and startups to validate their innovations.
The facility also plays a vital role in Abyom’s Centre for Innovation & Exploration of Space Technology (CIEST), an initiative aimed at bridging the gap in hands-on experience for the next generation of engineers and space researchers across India.
Building the Future of Reusable Space Vehicles
Abyom’s research and development efforts are focused on scaling up to develop Reusable Sounding Rockets (RSR), Small Reusable Launch Vehicles (SRLV), and Medium Reusable Launch Vehicles (MRLV).
These vehicles are designed to launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), with payload capacities ranging from 800 kg to 15,000 kg.
The RSR, set to launch by December 2026, will be India’s first vertically launched and vertically landed rocket, serving as a versatile platform for microgravity experiments, atmospheric studies, and meteorological data collection.
Abyom’s ultimate vision is to create a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable launch ecosystem capable of conducting on-demand satellite launches, addressing the growing demand for rapid deployment in the space industry.
The company aims to support the burgeoning space tech community by offering affordable and frequent access to space.
Mentorship and Recognition by ISRO
Abyom’s journey has been significantly enriched by the support and mentorship from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) experts, particularly in the areas of liquid propulsion and launch vehicle development.
As a Registered Space Tutor by ISRO, Abyom has trained over 3,000 engineering graduates and published 25 research papers across 10 teams.
This strong academic and mentorship foundation has played a crucial role in Abyom’s rapid progress and ability to innovate in the highly competitive space technology sector.
Abyom has also been recognized by ISRO and is currently in the process of obtaining permissions through IN-SPACe to conduct its upcoming launches, further solidifying its position in the Indian space ecosystem.
Global Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
In 2024, Abyom was honored with recognition as one of the 200 global companies with high business potential by Forbes India.
The company has also partnered with numerous aerospace organizations and startups, both domestically and globally, to drive space tech innovation.
Beyond just technology, Abyom is focused on building a global community for space enthusiasts and professionals.
The company’s initiatives, such as the Centre for Innovation & Exploration of Space Technology (CIEST), aim to democratize space education and create a talent pool of engineers ready to meet the challenges of the evolving space industry.
Shaping the Future of India’s Space Industry
Abyom’s mission is aligned with India’s broader space ambitions, particularly the establishment of a space station by 2035, the launch of space tourism, and sending the country’s first astronaut into space.
With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focusing on developing next-generation launch vehicles, Abyom is positioning itself as a crucial player in the country’s space tech revolution.
Inspired by the words of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Abyom is committed to turning young engineers into job creators, driving India’s space industry forward while ensuring that reusability and cost-efficiency are at the core of their innovations.
