AnduraX, an Andhra Pradesh-based space startup, is gearing up for a significant milestone: India’s first high-altitude drop test for a reusable spaceplane. Scheduled for the first week of June, this mission, designated ADM-01 (ARES Drop Mission 1), marks a crucial step towards the company's ambitious goal of launching an orbital re-entry mission by 2028.
The ADM-01 Mission: Testing ARES's Capabilities
During the ADM-01 test, AnduraX will deploy an experimental vehicle to an altitude of 25,000 meters (approximately 82,000 feet) using a high-altitude balloon. Once in near-stratospheric conditions, the vehicle will be released, allowing engineers to collect vital flight data. This data is essential for the development of AnduraX’s guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, as well as refining the precision landing capabilities required for its reusable re-entry vehicle, ARES.
Sree Supranayi, co-founder and CEO of AnduraX, emphasized the broader vision behind their work.
“At AnduraX, we are building reusable reentry systems to make microgravity research and in-space manufacturing more accessible, faster and practical,” Supranayi stated.The company aims to create a vehicle capable of carrying payloads to orbit, facilitating microgravity research and in-space manufacturing, and then returning them safely to Earth through low-G re-entry and runway-style landings.
ARES: Designed for Future Space Access
The ARES vehicle is being designed to transport payloads of up to 100 kg, offering a versatile platform for various scientific and commercial applications. This initiative positions AnduraX at the forefront of India's burgeoning private space sector, contributing to the nation's increasing focus on advanced space research and biomanufacturing.
AnduraX is also part of the second cohort of KickSky Space Lab, a specialized accelerator supported by key investors like Riceberg Ventures, E2MC Ventures, and Aniara Space. This backing underscores the potential seen in AnduraX's innovative approach to making space access more efficient and sustainable.
The development aligns with India's broader space ambitions, including the targeted launch of the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station in 2028, highlighting a period of rapid advancement and innovation within the country's aerospace industry.