This story is a testament to perseverance and determination. Anand Megalingam was born to a small family, father a truck driver and mother a homemaker. Anand's achievement in life was by no stretch of the imagination an easy one to trudge along. 

After failing all his subjects during the first semester of his electrical and electronics engineering degree, his future seemed uncertain. However, a new opportunity arose when his sports skills secured him a spot in a private college to study Aeronautical Engineering. It was this moment that turned his life around.

Anand found himself completely absorbed in aeronautics. His passion for the subject paved the way for him to win various contests, awards, and accolades. He knew it was time for him to venture into something of his own. Thus he founded Space Zone India, bringing together eco-friendly rockets starting from Tamil Nadu. The space zone also presents an opportunity for young Indian students to dive deeper into the subject.

Anand’s connection to his roots remained strong, he made his father a 50% stakeholder in Space Zone India, as an appreciation for all that he has sacrificed for him and his family.

With the support of the Indian Government, ISRO, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) organizations, the startup flourished and achieved a valuation of Rs 800 crore.

 

Mission RHUMI-2024

 

On August 24, 2024, Anand's team made history by launching India's very first reusable hybrid rocket from a mobile launch pad called RHUMI. As the launch took place in the village of Thiruvadanthai on the Tamil Nadu coast with more than 5,000 students, government officials, and state bodies present there, this moment proved to be special for everyone attending the event.

MISSION RHUMI-2024[Source- Startuppedia]the team behind RHUMI conducted a detailed analysis of the failures and then designed solutions to improve the form and functionality of the rocket.

RHUMI was no ordinary rocket. RHUMI's three Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites will collect vital atmospheric data about cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation, air quality, ozone levels, and altitude measurements. The same data is of critical importance in the area of climate change, something that Anand is particularly passionate about. “Space tech has a huge role to play here,” he shared in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.

RHUMI's journey to success was bumpy. According to Anand, the team had to face a lot of regulatory hurdles and technical issues at the very initial stages of the project. However, with each failure, they became stronger. After minutely analyzing the setbacks, the team fine-tuned the design and functionality of the rocket.

MISSION RHUMI-2024[Source- Startuppedia]

This was followed by six weeks of intense work to complete the final rocket, the mobile launch pad, however, took another six months to manufacture. With only a week to go for the launch, Anand got clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Air Force, and the Airport Authority of India, marking the final hurdle before he made history.

Reflecting on the moment of ignition, Anand described the nerve-wracking wait as the rocket's launch was delayed by four seconds. “These 4 seconds were probably the longest 4 seconds of my life. I remember that the entire year, my team, the Government, and everyone’s hopes flashed before my eyes,” he recalled.

But their hard work finally paid off, RHUMI launched smoothly and marked a new chapter in India's space exploration efforts. “We created history,” Anand proudly declared.

From being a failed student of engineering to becoming the man behind India's first reusable hybrid rocket is indeed an inspiring affair. His startup, Space Zone India, continues to push the boundaries of space technology, all while contributing to vital research on environmental changes. As Anand looks ahead, his success is a reminder that persistence, passion, and innovation can lead to extraordinary achievements.