India’s private aerospace sector is entering a critical phase, with startups and new-age enterprises stepping into roles once reserved exclusively for government agencies. At the forefront of this shift is Vertotech Aerospace Ltd, a defence and space technology company aiming to develop indigenous capabilities for both national security and human space exploration.

While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to command international respect for its reliability and low-cost missions, companies like Vertotech Aerospace are pushing the envelope in areas such as human-rated capsules, unmanned aerial systems, and launch services. Industry experts see this as part of a larger transition where India moves from being a participant in the global space market to becoming a key supplier of advanced solutions.

A Capsule Rooted in Heritage, Built for the Future

Among Vertotech Aerospace’s most ambitious projects is Vyoma-SAR™, a human-rated spacecraft designed to carry six astronauts. The capsule is engineered for compatibility with ISRO’s PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles and incorporates an abort system, re-entry heat shielding, and precision recovery mechanisms.

Its design also signals India’s entry into the human spaceflight market led by private enterprises. While comparisons to SpaceX’s Dragon and NASA’s Orion are inevitable, company engineers emphasize Vyoma-SAR™’s modularity and cost-efficiency, positioning it as an option for low-Earth orbit missions, space station docking, and lunar flybys.

“The message is clear India does not need to import its space future,” said Managing Director Jayakumar B, who previously served as project director for PSLV and GSLV MkIII/LVM3 missions at ISRO. “We are building the capacity here, with the know-how developed in India.”

Expanding Beyond Space Capsules

Vertotech Aerospace’s portfolio extends into multiple aerospace and defence verticals. Its projects range from unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies, to missile systems and advanced ammunition, to urban air mobility solutions such as eVTOL aircraft.

According to company officials, the strategy is deliberate. By developing technologies across interconnected domains, Vertotech Aerospace aims to build an ecosystem rather than a single product line. Defence experts note that such diversification could give India an edge in maintaining sovereign capabilities while also building export competitiveness.

VYAANA: Small Satellites, Big Opportunity

Another cornerstone of Vertotech Aerospace’s roadmap is VYAANA, a three-stage solid propellant launch vehicle built for the small satellite segment. Standing 29 meters tall and with a lift-off mass of 80 tonnes, VYAANA is designed to place payloads of up to 500 kilograms into low-Earth orbit.

The rocket features carbon composite materials to improve thrust efficiency, electro-mechanical thrust vector control for precision guidance, and bi-propellant thrusters for orbital accuracy. Importantly, it is also designed for mobile launch operations, allowing greater flexibility for operators.

The company has set a target for VYAANA’s maiden launch in 2028, aligning with projections of rapid growth in the global small satellite market. Market analysts estimate that nearly 18,000 small satellites will be launched over the next decade, creating a multibillion-dollar opportunity for launch service providers.

Leadership With a Dual Lens

Vertotech Aerospace’s leadership blends deep technical expertise with strong communication and outreach experience.

● Jayakumar B, the Managing Director, brings over 30 years of experience from ISRO, having served as mission director for twelve PSLV launches and as an advisor to NewSpace India Ltd.

● Harishree Mehta, Group CEO and Director, is a former broadcast journalist with two decades in business and political reporting. She played a role in setting up newsrooms at CNBC, Times Now, and Doordarshan, interviewing top business leaders and policymakers along the way.

This combination of backgrounds reflects Vertotech Aerospace’s attempt to pair engineering depth with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders from government to industry partners to the global marketplace.

India’s Private Space Push

The rise of companies like Vertotech Aerospace follows a series of policy reforms that opened India’s space sector to private players. The government’s NewSpace India Ltd. initiative has provided a framework for collaboration, allowing startups to access ISRO’s infrastructure while developing independent capabilities.

Analysts draw parallels to the early 2000s in the United States, when NASA encouraged private players such as SpaceX to complement national programs. “If India follows a similar path, we could see private industry take on significant responsibility for launches, capsules, and even exploration missions within the next decade,” said an industry observer.

Risks and Opportunities

While optimism runs high, the path forward for Vertotech Aerospace and similar companies is not without challenges. Human-rated capsules require rigorous safety certification, and launch vehicles demand years of testing before commercial deployment. Funding remains another critical hurdle in a sector where costs are high and returns uncertain.

However, if successful, Vertotech Aerospace’s projects could help India secure a stronger position in the global aerospace market. The dual focus on national defence and space exploration provides a hedge ensuring the company has revenue streams from both government contracts and potential international customers.

A Wider Vision

For India’s young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, Vertotech Aerospace is positioning itself as a symbol of possibility. By combining cultural references, such as naming its capsule Vyoma-SAR™ after Vedic traditions, with advanced materials and modular design, the company is attempting to build both technical capability and a sense of national pride.

“The global space race is not just about science it is also about sovereignty and self-reliance,” said Harishree Mehta. “India must claim its place, and private industry will be central to that journey.”

With VYAANA scheduled for launch in 2028 and Vyoma-SAR™ under development, the coming years will be a test of whether Vertotech Aerospace can move from bold plans to proven results.