PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
The world of science and technology is full of inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved greatness despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks. One such story is that of Pawan Kumar Chandana, also known as PK Chandana, the co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, a company that has made history by launching India’s first private rocket into space. What’s even more remarkable about Chandana’s story is that he was an average student who scored just 51 marks in mathematics, a subject that is crucial for a career in science and technology.
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. 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 improved academically and began to develop a love for science and mathematics. This decision proved to be a turning point in Chandana’s life, as he went on to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and join the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in 2007.
Chandana’s journey to success is a motivation to many students who struggle with academics, particularly in subjects like mathematics. His story shows that with the right guidance, support, and hard work, anyone can overcome their weaknesses and achieve their goals. In an interview, Chandana recalled how his father’s decision to enroll him in IIT-JEE coaching changed his life. He said that the coaching helped him to develop a strong foundation in science and mathematics, which eventually led him to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
After completing his graduation from IIT Kharagpur, Chandana worked with several companies, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). However, he always had a dream of starting his own company and making a significant contribution to the field of aerospace engineering. In 2018, Chandana co-founded Skyroot Aerospace, a company that aims to develop and launch private rockets into space. The company’s mission is to make space travel more accessible and affordable, and to provide a platform for startups and researchers to launch their satellites into space.
On November 18, 2022, Skyroot Aerospace made history by launching India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, into space. The rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, and it carried three payloads into space. The launch was a major milestone for the Indian space industry, and it marked a new era in private space exploration in the country.
Chandana’s success story is an inspiration to many young students who dream of pursuing a career in science and technology. His journey shows that with hard work, determination, and the right guidance, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their background or academic performance. It also highlights the importance of parental support and guidance in shaping a child’s career and future.
In an interview, Chandana said that his father’s decision to enroll him in IIT-JEE coaching was a turning point in his life. He also credited his parents for their unwavering support and encouragement, which helped him to pursue his dreams. Chandana’s story is a testament to the power of family support and guidance in helping individuals achieve their goals.
Chandana’s achievement is also a reflection of the growing interest in private space exploration in India. In recent years, several private companies have emerged in the country, with the aim of developing and launching private rockets into space. These companies are backed by the government, which has introduced several policies and initiatives to promote private space exploration in the country.
The launch of India’s first private rocket is a major milestone for the Indian space industry, and it marks a new era in private space exploration in the country. It also highlights the potential of Indian startups and private companies to make a significant contribution to the global space industry. Chandana’s story is an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and startups, who dream of making a difference in the world through innovation and technology.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and determination. From scoring just 51 marks in mathematics to launching India’s first private rocket into space, Chandana’s journey is an inspiration to many. His story shows that with the right guidance, support, and hard work, anyone can overcome their weaknesses and achieve their goals. It also highlights the importance of parental support and guidance in shaping a child’s career and future.
As India continues to make strides in the field of space exploration, Chandana’s achievement is a reminder of the potential of Indian startups and private companies to make a significant contribution to the global space industry. His story is an inspiration to many young students, entrepreneurs, and startups, who dream of making a difference in the world through innovation and technology.
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