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Srinath Ravichandran: The Force Behind Agnikul Cosmos

Srinath Ravichandran, an aerospace engineer, co-founded Agnikul Cosmos in 2017 to address the global need for flexible, affordable, and on-demand access to space. The company focuses on modular, customizable launch vehicles designed for small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The flagship rocket, Agnibaan, is a two-stage vehicle capable of carrying up to 100 kg to LEO. Agnikul’s engines are manufactured quickly using additive manufacturing (3D printing), reducing time-to-launch and mission costs. The company has achieved milestones such as raising ₹23.4 crore in pre-Series A funding, successfully testing Agnilet, and raising $11 million in Series A funding. Agnikul Cosmos is also the first private company to sign a framework agreement with ISRO and IN-SPACe for access to launchpads, testing facilities, and technical guidance.

Pawan Kumar Chandana: Fueling India’s Private Space Dream

India’s space ambitions are soaring, with Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Skyroot Aerospace, leading the way. Chandana, a former ISRO scientist and IIT Kharagpur alumnus, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s position in the global space race. With the motto “Open Space for All,” Skyroot aims to democratize space exploration. The company has raised US$4.3 million since its inception and has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Dhruva Space. The Department of Space has signed an agreement with Skyroot Aerospace for access to ISRO’s facilities and expertise for testing sub-systems and systems of launch vehicles. Skyroot has developed 3D-printed engines, cryogenic engines powered by LNG and LOX, modular rocket stages, and all-composite structures for lightweight, high-performance rockets. The company is now gearing up for its next milestone — the Vikram-I orbital launch.

Where is the democratization of Space Tourism going in 2025 (Space Tech)

Space tourism involves traveling to space for recreational, leisure, or business purposes, typically involving paying a fee to travel aboard spacecraft designed for this purpose. Early commercial concepts emerged in the mid-20th century, with milestones such as Dennis Tito becoming the first self-funded space tourist in 2001, Mark Shuttleworth becoming the first African in space, and SpaceShipOne winning the Ansari X Prize in 2004. Companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX are pioneering commercial space tourism, expanding access beyond government astronauts to private individuals.

Where is the research in 2025 on Stasis for spaceflights? (Space Tech)

NASA and SpaceWorks Enterprises are leading research into synthetic torpor using therapeutic hypothermia for long-duration spaceflight. Key developments include a torpor-inducing module that reduces crew habitat mass and volume by 75% for Mars missions. Astronauts cycle through 10-14-day stasis periods using intravenous cooling and pharmaceuticals, minimizing resource consumption and minimizing psychosocial stress. ESA’s focus is on mitigating long-duration spaceflight effects, while India’s Gaganyaan program focuses on foundational human spaceflight capabilities. While no agency has deployed operational stasis systems, NASA’s progress suggests this technology could revolutionize crewed deep-space missions within the next decade. The field remains largely experimental and interdisciplinary, requiring advances in medical science, engineering, and human factors to realize practical stasis systems for space exploration.

Inspiring The Next Generation of Indian Explorers (Space People)

Indian Air Force test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, born in Lucknow in 1985, was selected as a Gaganyaan astronaut and pilot of Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4, marking India’s space resurgence after a 41-year hiatus. Shukla graduated from NDA with a BSc in Computer Science and an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering. He is married to Dr. Kamna Shubha Shukla, a dentist. She has known Shubhanshu since having been classmates since primary school, maintaining a close friendship that developed into marriage. The couple has a son together. His journey underlines India’s new phase in space ambitions.

Private Space News (9-13 June)

The major private companies offering space tourism services in 2025 include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic. SpaceX leads in orbital space tourism with its Starship program, offering multi-day missions and lunar flybys. Blue Origin specializes in suborbital tourism with its New Shepard vehicle, providing automated flights with large windows for Earth viewing. Virgin Galactic operates suborbital flights using SpaceShipTwo and is developing “Delta-class” spaceplanes for enhanced experiences. Over 10 companies are entering the market, with suborbital tourism dominating and orbital demand expected to rise by 2030.

Public Space News (9-13 June)

SpaceX Ax-4 launch postponed: propellant leak (Space News)

SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission, carrying four private astronauts to the International Space Station, has been postponed due to technical issues. The launch was initially delayed due to a LOx propellant leak in the Falcon 9 rocket and a new air pressure leak in the Russian segment.

Astronauts Making Pizza on the ISS (Space People)

Pizza-making on the International Space Station (ISS) has become a unique culinary experience, with astronauts gathering to prepare and share their personal pizzas. The process involves securing ingredients, assembling the pizza, and baking it in a special oven. NASA is exploring 3D food printing technology for future missions.