PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
The Indian space industry has witnessed a significant milestone with the launch of the country’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, by Skyroot Aerospace. The brain behind this remarkable achievement is Pawan Kumar Chandana, the Co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace. What’s even more inspiring is Chandana’s journey, which is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite being an average student, who scored a mere 51 marks in mathematics, Chandana went on to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and join the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s father played a pivotal role in his academic journey. Instead of giving up on his son’s potential, he got Chandana enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching. This decision proved to be a turning point in Chandana’s life, as he began to improve academically and develop a passion for science and mathematics. The coaching classes helped Chandana to overcome his weaknesses and build a strong foundation in the subjects.
In 2007, Chandana’s hard work paid off when he joined IIT-Kharagpur, one of the top engineering institutes in the country. This marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Chandana, who was determined to make a mark in the field of space technology. During his time at IIT-Kharagpur, Chandana was exposed to various aspects of engineering and science, which further fueled his interest in the subject.
After completing his education, Chandana went on to work with several organizations, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His experience at ISRO provided him with a deep understanding of the space industry and the challenges associated with it. This knowledge proved to be invaluable when Chandana decided to embark on his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2018, Chandana Co-founded Skyroot Aerospace, with the vision of creating a private space technology company that could cater to the growing demands of the space industry. The company’s mission was to develop and launch private rockets, which would provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for satellite launches.
The journey was not without its challenges, as Chandana and his team had to overcome numerous technical and financial hurdles. However, their determination and perseverance paid off when they successfully launched India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, on November 18, 2022. The rocket, which was named after the father of the Indian space program, Vikram Sarabhai, marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian space technology.
Chandana’s story is an inspiration to many, as it highlights the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Chandana remained focused and committed to his goals. His journey is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their objectives, regardless of their background or academic performance.
Moreover, Chandana’s achievement has also paved the way for the growth of the private space industry in India. The success of Skyroot Aerospace has demonstrated that private companies can play a significant role in the development of space technology, which was previously dominated by government agencies.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s journey is a remarkable example of how perseverance and determination can lead to success. From scoring 51 marks in mathematics to launching India’s first private rocket, Chandana’s story is an inspiration to many. His achievement has not only made him a pioneer in the Indian space industry but has also paved the way for the growth of the private space sector in the country.
As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Chandana and his team at Skyroot Aerospace continue to push the boundaries of space technology. Their innovative approach and commitment to excellence have made them a force to be reckoned with in the industry, and we can expect many more exciting developments from them in the years to come.
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