SOURCE: AFI
Indian space startup, EtherealX, has successfully secured $5 million in seed funding to propel its ambitious project of developing fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicles. The startup is set to revolutionize the space industry with its flagship vehicle, the Razor Crest Mk-1, designed to deliver impressive payloads into orbit.
In its fully reusable configuration, the Razor Crest Mk-1 is capable of transporting 8 tons into low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle’s versatility extends to expendable and partially reusable modes, enabling it to carry over 24.8 tons and 22.8 tons, respectively, to LEO. EtherealX’s aspirations reach even further, as the company aims to deliver payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.
To support this ambitious endeavor, EtherealX has acquired a substantial 16-acre land parcel in Tamil Nadu where it is establishing India’s largest privately developed rocket engine facility. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and technological advancement.
The startup plans to conduct rigorous testing of its technology through a technology demonstrator vehicle (TDV), scheduled for launch in 2026. This crucial milestone will validate EtherealX’s innovative approach and pave the way for future commercial operations.
With this significant funding and a clear roadmap, EtherealX is poised to become a major player in the global space race, contributing to India’s growing stature as a spacefaring nation.