Space Zone Aerospace Honoured with Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Space Tech

Space Zone Aerospace Honoured with Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Space Tech

Space Zone Aerospace, a pioneering leader in space technology, has been awarded the prestigious Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Space Tech. This recognition was presented by the Minister Jitin Prasada, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This accolade recognizes the company’s groundbreaking contributions to advancing space technology and its unwavering commitment to driving innovation in the aerospace sector.

The 15th edition of the Aegis Graham Bell Awards ceremony took place on February 20, 2025, at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. Initiated in 2010 by the Aegis School of Data Science, the awards aim to promote and recognize outstanding innovations in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain. The event was supported by esteemed partners, including Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, Ministry of Education, Government of India & Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India

The event witnessed the participation of several leading space tech companies, showcasing their latest innovations in satellite technology, propulsion systems, and advanced aerospace solutions. Space Zone Aerospace stood out with its presentation on hybrid propulsion systems, demonstrating a cost-effective and sustainable approach to space exploration.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Anand Megalingam, Founder & CEO of Space Zone Aerospace. “This recognition fuels our mission to revolutionize the space industry with innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable space solutions. It is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team.”

Under Megalingam’s visionary leadership, Space Zone Aerospace has successfully launched two demonstrator rockets over the past two years from a private launch pad in Chennai. Notably, one of these rockets featured reusable capabilities, marking a significant step toward cost-effective and sustainable space access. The company is also at the forefront of developing hybrid propulsion systems, aiming to make space exploration more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Founder and CEO Dr. Anand Megalingam emphasizes that the true strength of Space Zone Aerospace comes from its dedicated team and esteemed mentors. The company’s core team, which started with small roles, has now grown into a highly skilled workforce, playing pivotal roles in fuel grain development, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics systems, and cutting-edge research and development.

Committed to relentless innovation, the team has spent countless hours at the factory and testing facilities, refining technologies that are shaping India’s space and defense advancements. The core team, comprising Sindha, Calwin, Lakshmi, Jatin, Shyam, Balaji, Manigandan, Shahul, Naveen, Shabana and others, has been instrumental in driving breakthrough achievements in hybrid propulsion and reusable rocket technology.

Anand Megalingam, a visionary leader in India’s space tech industry, founded Space Zone Aerospace with a mission to make space more accessible through cutting-edge technology. His relentless pursuit of innovation has positioned the company as a key player in the aerospace industry. Notably, he spearheaded India’s first hybrid rocket launch, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space exploration journey.

Space Zone Aerospace attributes its success to the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Mylsamy Annadurai, Former ISRO Scientist & Project Director of Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan & A.S. Rajan, I.P.S, Former Spl. Director IB and Former Director, SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

Their expertise and guidance have played a crucial role in shaping the company’s innovative strategies and achievements.

Space Zone Aerospace is a leading space technology company dedicated to developing innovative satellite launch systems, propulsion technologies, and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to research and development, the company aims to make space exploration more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

Website: https://www.spacezoneindia.com

2 kN Hybrid Rocket Motor Successfully Tested by Space Zone India for Mission RHUMI – 2024

2 kN Hybrid Rocket Motor Successfully Tested by Space Zone India for Mission RHUMI – 2024

In a remarkable leap towards innovation and pioneering advancements in space technology, Space Zone India, a leading private aerospace company, is making significant strides in its upcoming mission, RHUMI-2024. This ambitious venture is set to achieve the world’s first mobile launch of a Hybrid Rocket, a monumental feat that reflects the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Guided by the renowned scientist Padmasree Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, affectionately known as the “Moon Man of India” and Former Director of ISAC, Space Zone India has found visionary leadership. Dr. Anand Megalingam, the founder and CEO of Space Zone India, serves as the Mission Director, steering the company towards new heights in aerospace excellence.

A key focus of Space Zone India’s groundbreaking efforts lies in the development of the Hybrid Rocket propulsion system. The company is meticulously working on various ratios of fuel combinations, conducting rigorous testing to ensure optimal efficiency in the output of the rocket engine. Initial success was achieved with a highly successful hot fire test, marking a crucial milestone in the mission’s progress. Looking ahead, Space Zone India is gearing up for an extensive series of 10 to 15 tests in the upcoming weeks. These tests are essential to fine-tune the Hybrid Rocket propulsion system and address any challenges that may arise. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and exploration.

Today, Space Zone India conducted a successful trial of a hybrid motor at the Equatorial Space System (ESS – Technology Partner) at Singapore. This motor utilized various fuel combinations in different ratios, employing liquid Nitrous Oxide and Liquid Oxygen as the oxidizers. Unlike traditional solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, this hybrid motor employed a solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer tank.

In this test, a flight equivalent 2 kN hybrid motor exhibited ignition and sustained combustion for the targeted duration of 15 seconds, displaying satisfactory performance. The inclusion of liquid components enables better control over throttling, and the management of Nitrous Oxide flow rate allows for restart capability. While both the Solid Fuel and Liquid Oxidizer used are environmentally friendly, Nitrous Oxide stands out for its safer handling.

The hybrid motor tested today has scalability and stackability potential, potentially setting the stage for a new propulsion system in the upcoming Mission RHUMI Rocket Launch.

In tandem with propulsion system advancements, Space Zone India is actively working on the rocket integration module. This crucial aspect of the mission ensures the seamless functioning of all components, reflecting the company’s comprehensive approach to mission success. The company is proud to collaborate with crew propulsion engineers from abroad, leveraging global expertise to enhance the mission’s precision and perfection. The exchange of ideas and feedback from these experts adds a valuable dimension to the project.

Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, the revered mentor of Mission RHUMI-2024, provides invaluable guidance to the Space Zone India team. His wealth of experience and expertise contributes significantly to overcoming challenges and ensuring the mission’s success. The consistent updates from the team are met with constructive feedback, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Space Zone India holds the distinction of being a pioneer in the private sector of India’s space industry, particularly in the Hybrid rocket propulsion system. The company’s achievements underscore the potential of private enterprises to play a crucial role in advancing space exploration capabilities. As Space Zone India forges ahead with Mission RHUMI-2024, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing the realization of the world’s first mobile launch of a Hybrid Rocket. This groundbreaking venture not only solidifies Space Zone India’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation but also sets a precedent for the future of space exploration, where the private sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the frontiers of human achievement.

Website: https://www.spacezoneindia.com/