Bangalore's EtherealX Secures $5 Million to Revolutionize Reusable Rocket Engines

EtherealX, a promising space tech startup from Bangalore, has recently secured $5 million in seed funding, setting the stage for its ambitious plans to reshape satellite launches. Founded in 2022 by Manu J Nair, alongside former ISRO scientist Shubhayu Sardar and aerospace engineer Prashant Sharma, EtherealX is targeting a niche yet crucial area in space technology: fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicles.

In an industry where launches are often booked years in advance and costs remain prohibitively high, EtherealX is pushing for a new era of cost-effective and time-efficient satellite launches. The startup's flagship project, Razor Crest Mk-1, aims to deliver a breakthrough in reusability. Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon-9, which only recovers its booster stage, EtherealX plans to recover both the booster and the upper stage, a feat that could drastically reduce refurbishment costs and enhance the efficiency of satellite deployment.

Nair has emphasized the uniqueness of their approach to reusability. The company has developed a new rocket engine cycle coupled with a deployment system that manages re-entry heat more efficiently. This allows their rockets to maintain optimal performance in both atmospheric and vacuum conditions, achieving precise landings without relying on traditional heat shields or tiles. The closest comparison in the industry would be SpaceX’s Starship, but EtherealX's method of handling re-entry is notably different, focusing on redirecting heat rather than combating it.

The startup's financial backing, led by Indian deep tech fund YourNest, comes at a crucial time as India’s space sector experiences rapid growth. EtherealX's funding will be directed toward completing their engine test facility, manufacturing key engine components, and preparing for a technology demonstrator vehicle (TDV) launch by 2026. This TDV, a scaled-down version of their full-scale vehicle, will be crucial in validating the telemetry and flight software needed for commercial launches.

EtherealX’s plans come at a time when India's space industry is on the rise. With over 229 space tech startups and increasing government support, the country is positioning itself as a major player in the global space ecosystem. The Indian government aims to quadruple its share in the global space market by 2030, and startups like EtherealX are at the forefront of this transformation.

In the coming years, EtherealX could become a significant player in the space launch market, especially with its competitive pricing model, which promises to offer launch costs at a fraction of what current players like SpaceX charge. With the potential to capture a substantial market share, EtherealX’s innovative approach to rocket reusability could be a game-changer in the industry. As they move forward with their plans, the company is poised to contribute significantly to India’s growing space capabilities, marking a new chapter in the nation's space exploration journey.