From Rockets to the Stratosphere: Building the Future of Near-Space Mobility

A Journey of Gratitude

As I turn a new page in my professional journey, I carry immense gratitude for my time at Skyroot Aerospace, the place that became more than just a workspace; it became a home of ideas, inspiration, and collaboration.

Working alongside some of India’s finest young minds, I had the privilege of contributing to India’s first private rocket launches, witnessing history being written, and experiencing the unmatched spirit of teamwork that made it possible. The moments of late-night activities, test campaigns, and the collective anticipation before every milestone have left an indelible mark on me, both as a scientist and as a person.

Farewell event with Pawan, Bharath, Sireesh, Sandeep, Lalittej, Sailesh, Pratik, Bhargav, Karthik, etc.

Lessons from the Launchpad

My journey at Skyroot reinforced one of my deepest beliefs, that innovation thrives at the intersection of courage and collaboration. The years there shaped my understanding of how vision, supported by perseverance and trust, can redefine what is possible.

Every component we built was a story of countless iterations, quiet persistence, and collective ambition. It taught me to value systems thinking, interdisciplinary design, and the pursuit of excellence under constraints, qualities that continue to guide me as I step into my next chapter.

Vikram-S Launch Memories

The Birth of a New Dream, Red Balloon Aerospace

With this foundation of learning and purpose, I am thrilled to announce the next leap: Red Balloon Aerospace Private Limited, headquartered in Andhra Pradesh.

At RBA, our mission is to revolutionize aerial mobility and persistent intelligence through AI-powered stratospheric systems.

Our vision spans across the layers of the atmosphere, from the near-space edge to lower altitudes, bringing to life a family of platforms:

• VISTA – Versatile Intelligent Stratospheric Asset (High-altitude super-pressure balloons)

• ALTIS – Advanced Long-Endurance Tethered Intelligence System (AI-driven tethered aerostats)

• HELIX – Hydrogen-Elevated Logistics Infrastructure eXpress (Cargo airships redefining sustainable logistics)

These systems represent our belief that the stratosphere, a realm once seen as distant. These can now serve as the next frontier of connectivity, observation, communications and logistics.

Red Balloon Aerospace

From Earth to the Edge of Space

This transition is not a departure, but a continuum. At Skyroot, I had the honor of working on vehicles that reach the stars. At Red Balloon Aerospace, the mission extends to building infrastructure that stays above Earth, persistently serving humanity from the stratosphere.

From launching rockets that ascend to orbit, to designing systems that remain aloft for weeks or months, the journey is guided by the same spirit, enabling access, mobility, and intelligence beyond conventional limits.

Both journeys are bound by one common thread, the belief that India can lead the world in next-generation aerospace technologies.

Near-Space Stratospheric Platforms

An Invitation to Collaborate

The journey ahead is vast and filled with possibilities. At Red Balloon Aerospace, we are building not just platforms, but an ecosystem, where science, engineering, and innovation converge to redefine what it means to move, connect, and observe from the skies.

I welcome researchers, innovators, policymakers, and dreamers to join hands with us as we shape the future of near-space mobility together from India for the World.

Visit us at www.red-balloon.space

Follow our journey on LinkedIn