The story of Pawan Kumar Chandana is a testament to the power of ambition and the potential that lies within each individual, regardless of their academic background. Born in 1991, Chandana's journey began in Hyderabad, where his curiosity for machines and fascination with space took root. Despite a less-than-stellar performance in mathematics during his school days, his father's unwavering belief in him set the stage for a remarkable transformation.
Chandana's academic turnaround began with IIT JEE coaching, where he not only improved his grades but also discovered a deep passion for mathematics and science. This led him to IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering. While many of his peers chased high-paying jobs, Chandana's focus remained on his love for rockets and space exploration.
His career path took an intriguing turn when he joined ISRO as a scientist right after graduation. Despite the low salary, Chandana found fulfillment in his work at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Over nearly six years, he contributed to significant projects, including the GSLV Mk-III and the S-200 solid booster. His dedication and expertise earned him an internal innovation award at ISRO, but it was the spark of an entrepreneurial idea that would change his trajectory.
In 2018, Chandana took a bold step by quitting ISRO to pursue his dream of building a space-tech company in India. With no business background or professional network, he reached out to Mukesh Bansal, the founder of Myntra, CureFit, and NuRX, through a cold message on LinkedIn. Bansal, a fellow IIT Kharagpur alumnus, believed in Chandana's vision and invested $1.5 million in his venture. However, the road ahead was not without challenges, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just when it seemed like his dream might falter, Chandana received support from the founders of Greenko, a renewable energy giant. In June 2018, he co-founded Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad with Naga Bharath Daka, another ISRO engineer and IIT Bombay alumnus. The company made history in July 2020 by becoming the first private Indian entity to test a rocket engine, the Raman-1, named after the Nobel laureate C.V. Raman.
With the Indian government's opening of the space sector to private companies in 2021, Chandana's Skyroot Aerospace signed an MoU with ISRO and raised India's largest DeepTech investment of $51 million. On November 18, 2022, Skyroot launched Vikram S, India's first privately developed suborbital rocket, marking a significant milestone in the country's space journey. This was followed by the inauguration of Skyroot's new facility and the expansion of its team to nearly 1,000 employees, solidifying its position as India's largest private rocket manufacturing unit.
In May 2026, Skyroot Aerospace made history once again by raising $60 million in a funding round co-led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund. Today, Chandana's company is valued at around $1.1 billion, and it is preparing for its next big launch, the orbital Vikram-1, scheduled for 2026. If successful, Skyroot could join an elite group of private companies globally capable of regular orbital missions, putting India on the map alongside the likes of SpaceX and Rocket Lab.
Chandana's story is a powerful reminder that academic scores are not the sole determinant of success. His journey showcases the importance of passion, perseverance, and the ability to recognize and pursue one's dreams. It also highlights the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian space sector, which, with the right support and vision, can propel the country forward in the global space race.
In my opinion, Chandana's achievement is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of human potential and the ability to overcome challenges. It inspires us to believe in ourselves, follow our passions, and strive for excellence, no matter the odds. As we look towards the future, Chandana's Skyroot Aerospace stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when ambition, innovation, and determination converge.
