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EtherealX: India's SpaceX Rival Hits 5x Valuation
Technology

EtherealX: India's SpaceX Rival Hits 5x Valuation

TechCrunch2h ago
3 min read
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Key Facts

  • ✓ EtherealX has achieved a remarkable 5x increase in valuation, reflecting strong investor confidence in its aerospace technology and business model.
  • ✓ The company is constructing a massive 150-acre rocket campus in India, representing a significant investment in domestic manufacturing and testing infrastructure.
  • ✓ EtherealX is currently conducting critical engine tests, a pivotal phase that validates propulsion system performance for future launch missions.
  • ✓ The startup has established an ambitious target for a 2027 launch mission, positioning itself to compete directly with established space industry giants.
  • ✓ This valuation surge positions EtherealX as one of the most valuable private space companies in Asia, signaling growing capabilities in India's private aerospace sector.

In This Article

  1. Quick Summary
  2. Rapid Valuation Growth
  3. ️ Building Infrastructure
  4. Engine Testing Phase
  5. 2027 Launch Target
  6. Looking Ahead

Quick Summary#

EtherealX has emerged as a formidable force in the global space industry, achieving a remarkable 5x valuation increase as it accelerates its ambitious development timeline. The Indian aerospace startup is rapidly advancing toward its goal of becoming a major player in commercial spaceflight.

The company is currently conducting critical engine tests while simultaneously constructing a sprawling 150-acre rocket campus in India. These parallel efforts underscore EtherealX's aggressive strategy to compete directly with established space giants and establish India as a significant hub for space technology development.

🚀 Rapid Valuation Growth#

The 5x valuation surge represents a major milestone for EtherealX, reflecting strong investor confidence in its technology and business model. This dramatic increase in company value comes as the startup moves from theoretical development to practical testing and infrastructure construction.

Such rapid valuation growth is uncommon in the aerospace sector, where development cycles typically span many years. The achievement suggests that EtherealX has successfully demonstrated significant technological progress and secured substantial backing from investors who believe in its competitive potential against established players like SpaceX.

The valuation milestone positions EtherealX as one of the most valuable private space companies in Asia, potentially attracting further investment and talent to its ambitious program.

🏗️ Building Infrastructure#

EtherealX is making substantial investments in physical infrastructure with the development of a 150-acre rocket campus in India. This massive facility represents a significant commitment to domestic manufacturing and testing capabilities, reducing reliance on international partnerships.

The campus will likely include:

  • Advanced propulsion testing facilities
  • Assembly lines for rocket components
  • Research and development laboratories
  • Launch preparation areas

This infrastructure investment demonstrates EtherealX's long-term vision for establishing a self-sufficient space ecosystem in India. The scale of the campus suggests the company is preparing for high-volume production and testing, essential for competing in the commercial launch market.

🔧 Engine Testing Phase#

The company is currently ramping engine tests, a critical phase in rocket development that validates propulsion system performance and reliability. This stage represents a significant technical milestone, as engine performance directly determines launch capability and mission success.

Engine testing typically involves:

  1. Component-level validation of individual engine parts
  2. Sub-scale testing of propulsion systems
  3. Full-scale hot-fire tests under simulated launch conditions
  4. Extended duration tests to verify reliability

Successful completion of these tests is essential before EtherealX can proceed to integrated vehicle testing and ultimately its 2027 launch mission. The testing phase provides crucial data for refining engine design and ensuring safety margins for future missions.

🎯 2027 Launch Target#

EtherealX has established a clear 2027 launch mission as its primary near-term objective, creating a defined timeline for its development program. This target date provides a concrete goal that drives all current activities, from engine testing to campus construction.

The 2027 timeline suggests the company is following a compressed development schedule compared to traditional aerospace programs. This aggressive approach requires parallel development of multiple systems and rapid iteration based on test results.

Meeting the 2027 target would position EtherealX as a timely entrant into the commercial launch market, potentially capturing opportunities as demand for satellite launches continues to grow globally.

Looking Ahead#

EtherealX's combination of valuation growth, infrastructure development, and technical testing represents a comprehensive approach to entering the commercial space industry. The company's progress signals India's growing capabilities in advanced aerospace technology and its potential to become a significant player in the global space economy.

As the 2027 launch target approaches, all eyes will be on EtherealX's test results and campus development. Success would not only validate the company's technology but also demonstrate India's capacity to compete in the high-stakes commercial space launch market.

#Startups#Space#Accel#reusable rocket#EtherealX#Prosus#TDK Ventures

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