Abyom SpaceTech: Pioneering India's Reusable Rocket Revolution

In the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, where the stars often seem distant, Jainul Abedin envisioned a future among them. His passion for space, nurtured amidst limited resources, led him to establish Abyom SpaceTech and Defence. 

The name "Abyom," derived from the Sanskrit "Vyom", meaning sky or outer space, encapsulates the startup's ambition: to go above and beyond in space exploration.

Before Abyom, Abedin was immersed in propulsion research, focusing on frugal innovation in rocket engine systems. His academic pursuits and practical experiments laid the foundation for a venture aimed at revolutionising India's space capabilities.

Engineering Excellence: Abyom's Technological Innovations

Abyom's core mission is to develop reusable rockets equipped with re-ignitable and throttleable cryogenic engines. These rockets are designed for rapid multi-launch capabilities, significantly reducing turnaround times and costs.

Key innovations include:

• 5-day Rocket Reuse: Aiming for rapid reusability to enhance launch frequency.
• Modular Engines: Facilitating easier maintenance and upgrades.
• Plug-and-Play Test Facility: Asia's first, enabling efficient testing of rocket components.
• In-house Propulsion Systems: Ensuring quality control and cost-effectiveness.

These advancements position Abyom as a formidable player in the global space tech arena.

Market Strategy: Targeting a Growing Demand

The global small satellite launch market is projected to reach $64.25 billion by 2035. Abyom aims to capture a significant share by offering affordable and reliable launch solutions.

Primary customers include:

• Satellite companies across India, the UAE, the EU, and Africa.
• Research organisations like ISRO, DRDO, and various universities.
• Aerospace and defence contractors.
• Student payload programs.

By signing MoUs with universities and private satellite companies, Abyom ensures early engagement and long-term partnerships.

Business Model: Diversified Revenue Streams

Abyom's revenue model encompasses:

• Rocket Launches: Offering services like RSR, SRLV, and MRLV.
• Cryogenic Engine Sales: Providing advanced propulsion systems to clients.
• Component Sales: Including injectors, ignitors, and Control System Modules (CSM).
• Space Infrastructure Development: Building facilities and platforms for space research and launches.

This diversified approach ensures financial stability and scalability.

Achievements and Recognitions

Since its inception, Abyom has achieved significant milestones that underscore its technological prowess and strategic vision. The company successfully developed and tested a 2.5kN engine, established Asia's first plug-and-play rocket test facility, and signed academic MoUs to expand its infrastructure. 

Additionally, Abyom completed variants of its Control System Modules (CSM), which are now being commercially rolled out, and raised ₹4 Cr in pre-seed funding to support R&D and test infrastructure.

These achievements have not gone unnoticed. Abyom was honoured with the Chief Minister Award by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, featured in Forbes Select 200 Startups, and emerged as the winner of the Boeing BUILD 2024 Competition. Most notably, it was selected for the 2024 CDL Cohort, making it the only Indian launch vehicle company included in this prestigious list.

Navigating Challenges: Abyom’s Next Phase of Growth

Despite its impressive progress, Abyom faces a series of challenges as it scales. Ensuring production scalability without compromising quality, navigating the complex terrain of international licensing, and building global trust remain ongoing concerns. 

To address these, Abyom is actively working on expanding its presence in the MENA and Southeast Asia regions for launch services, forging R&D partnerships in the EU and Japan, and developing API-based launch booking systems alongside licensing its control systems.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond its technological ambitions, Abyom is deeply committed to social impact. The startup is democratizing access to space by creating opportunities for students and universities, emphasising sustainable, low-emission propulsion systems, and running educational programs that inspire young minds through nationwide lab initiatives. Jainul Abedin’s journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to founding a pioneering space technology firm is a powerful testament to the impact of vision, resilience, and innovation.