Most of the team members are in their early twenties, many from top technical institutes, working out of a small office but chasing a very big dream.

 How the balloon rocket works

Instead of blasting off from the ground, the system uses a huge high-altitude balloon to lift the rocket into thinner air.

Once the rocket reaches high altitude:

• Air resistance is much lower

• Less fuel is wasted pushing through thick atmosphere

• The rocket can carry more payload

Shyenus Jain explains it simply:

“Launching from the ground wastes a lot of energy just pushing through thick air. By starting higher up, we can save fuel and carry two to three times more payload.”

 What they are building

The team is developing:

• High-pressure inflatable balloon systems

• Hot-gas lift structures to handle heavier rockets

• Advanced propulsion concepts for future missions

They are already running wind-tunnel tests and small-scale trials, and aim to fly their first prototype by the end of 2026.
Several patents have been filed in India and abroad.

Their long-term goal: reach orbit using this balloon-launch system.

 India’s private space boom

Their work comes at a time when India’s space sector is changing rapidly.

Recent reforms — including:

• IN-SPACe

• Foreign investment approvals

• New Space Policy 2023

 have opened the door for private companies to build rockets, satellites and launch services.

Today:

• Over 300 space startups operate in India

• The sector is worth about $9 billion

• The government wants it to reach $44 billion by 2033

Even India’s recent PSLV missions have carried satellites built by private firms, showing that space is no longer just a government domain.

 Why this matters

If successful, balloon-launched rockets could:

• Reduce launch costs

• Increase payload capacity

• Make space access more sustainable

• Help small companies compete globally

From a modest office in Gurugram, these students may be working on a launch system that could one day change how humanity reaches space.