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 into a middle-class family, Chandana's journey began with a humble 51 marks in mathematics, a subject that would later become his passion and the foundation of his remarkable career. What many might see as a setback, Chandana's father recognized as a mere bump in the road, and his unwavering support and belief in his son's potential set the stage for an extraordinary future.
Chandana's academic transformation began with IIT JEE coaching, where he not only improved his grades but also discovered a deep love for mathematics and science. This passion led him to IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering. While his peers chased high-paying jobs, Chandana's fascination with rockets and space set him on a unique path.
From ISRO Scientist to Entrepreneur
Chandana's career took an intriguing turn when he joined ISRO right after graduation. Despite the low salary, he found fulfillment in his work at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, contributing to India's heaviest launch vehicle and solid booster systems. His dedication and innovation were recognized with an internal award, but it was his entrepreneurial spirit that truly sparked.
The idea of building a space-tech company in India, at a time when private rocket development was not even an option, was a bold move. Chandana's determination paid off when he secured funding from unexpected sources. First, Mukesh Bansal, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus and founder of several successful startups, believed in Chandana's vision and invested a substantial amount. Then, the founders of Greenko, a renewable energy giant, stepped in with further financial support.
Skyroot Aerospace: India's Private Rocket Factory
In 2018, Chandana co-founded Skyroot Aerospace with fellow ISRO engineer Naga Bharath Daka. The company made history in 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 opening of the space sector to private companies in 2021, Skyroot signed an MoU with ISRO and raised a record-breaking $51 million in DeepTech funding.
On November 18, 2022, Skyroot launched Vikram S, India's first privately developed suborbital rocket. This achievement, part of Mission Prarambh, marked a new beginning for India's space industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of Skyroot's new facility and the company's rapid growth to nearly 1,000 employees further solidified its position as India's largest private rocket manufacturer.
Global Recognition and Future Milestones
Skyroot Aerospace's success story continued with a $60 million funding round in 2026, led by prominent investors including Sherpalo Ventures and GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund. Today, the company is valued at an impressive $1.1 billion and is preparing for its next big launch, the orbital Vikram-1 mission scheduled for 2026. If successful, Skyroot will 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.
What makes Chandana's story so inspiring is not just his academic transformation or his entrepreneurial spirit, but his ability to turn a passion into a reality. His journey challenges the notion that academic excellence is the sole path to success and reminds us that ambition, innovation, and a belief in one's dreams can lead to extraordinary achievements. As Skyroot Aerospace continues to make history, Chandana's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and dreamers everywhere.
