PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
The journey to success is rarely a straight line, and the story of PK Chandana, the co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, is a testament to this fact. Chandana, the man behind the launch of India’s first private rocket to space, was not always a high achiever in academics. In fact, he scored a mere 51 marks in mathematics, a subject that would later become his passion. However, with the support of his family and his own determination, Chandana was able to turn his life around and achieve greatness.
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s father played a significant role in his son’s academic turnaround. Despite his poor performance in mathematics, Chandana’s father did not give up on him. Instead, he got him enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching, where Chandana began to improve academically and develop a love for science and mathematics. This decision would prove to be a turning point in Chandana’s life, as he started to excel in his studies and eventually cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), one of the most competitive exams in India.
In 2007, Chandana joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he pursued a degree in engineering. It was during his time at IIT that Chandana’s passion for space technology and rocketry began to take shape. He was exposed to a stimulating academic environment, where he was encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of innovation. Chandana’s experiences at IIT Kharagpur laid the foundation for his future endeavors, including the launch of India’s first private rocket to space.
The journey to launching a private rocket to space was not an easy one, however. Chandana faced numerous challenges and setbacks, including financial constraints and technological hurdles. Nevertheless, he persevered, driven by his vision to make India a major player in the global space industry. In 2018, Chandana co-founded Skyroot Aerospace, a private aerospace company that aimed to develop and launch India’s first private rocket to space.
The rest, as they say, is history. On November 18, 2022, Skyroot Aerospace launched India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, into space, marking a major milestone in the country’s space program. The launch was a testament to Chandana’s hard work, determination, and innovative spirit. It also demonstrated the potential of private companies to contribute to India’s space ambitions, which had previously been dominated by the government-owned Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Chandana’s story is an inspiration to millions of students and young entrepreneurs in India, who often face significant challenges in pursuing their dreams. His journey shows that success is not solely dependent on academic performance or background. With the right mindset, support, and opportunities, anyone can achieve greatness, regardless of their starting point.
Moreover, Chandana’s achievement highlights the importance of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s space sector. The launch of India’s first private rocket to space is a significant step towards developing a vibrant and competitive space industry in the country. It also demonstrates the potential of private companies to drive innovation and growth in the sector, which is critical for India’s economic development and global competitiveness.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s story is a reminder that success is a journey, not a destination. It requires hard work, determination, and perseverance, as well as the right support and opportunities. Chandana’s achievement is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and it inspires us to think big and aim high. As we look to the future, it is exciting to think about the possibilities that Chandana and his team at Skyroot Aerospace will unlock, and the impact they will have on India’s space industry and beyond.
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