US-Based SERA bullish on ties with space tech startups, all-Indian astronaut missions

SpaceX's first super heavy-lift Starship SN8 rocket during a return-landing attempt after it launched from their facility on a test flight in Boca Chica, Texas

The US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) which recently announced India as a partner country for its citizen astronaut mission aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, is open to tying up with Indian space tech startups and launching all-Indian astronaut missions in future.

When questioned by Moneycontrol about the potential for future launches from India, both Joshua Skurla and Sam Hutchison, co-founders of SERA, expressed their openness to the idea.

They acknowledged the progress of Indian startups like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace, indicating that successful technology demonstrations could lead to collaborations for future missions.

"If we have a significant public interest in India in this programme, in this concept, in the future launches, we could have an all-Indian mission," Skurla said.

"Whether that is with Blue Origin or with another provider... It would be great to do in India, an all-Indian human space flight launch with Indian service providers," he added.

SERA’s latest programme aims to send individuals from six different countries, including India, on suborbital space missions, making space travel more inclusive and accessible.

Interested candidates can enter the fray for as low as Rs 250. Registrations will be open in August and candidates will be chosen through votes. Encouragement from IN-SPACe, India's regulatory body for space activities, has been instrumental in bringing the programme to India, SERA said.

Hutchison said that the voting is going to be restricted on a per-seat basis. "So, only Indians can vote for the astronaut for the Indian seat. Also since this is a historic opportunity, we need to make sure that the vote is legitimate."

"We have a Know Your Customer verification process, basically an ID verification process and everybody who wants to be a candidate or to vote has to go through that identification process," he added. SERA has tied up with a third-party provider for the same.

Hutchison also described the training necessary for the astronaut candidates thorough yet accessible. Hutchison emphasised that while the training is comprehensive, covering essential aspects such as physical fitness, technical knowledge, and psychological readiness, it is designed to be manageable for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

"The programme is supported by sponsorships, media opportunities, and the creation of a global space-oriented brand," Sam shared. "These revenue streams will help sustain and expand the initiative, making space access more inclusive and engaging for the global community."

The tentative launch schedule remains undisclosed due to Blue Origin’s policies.

The collaboration between the US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency and Indian space tech startups is being seen as one of immense importance, especially as the Indian government works towards launching its maiden human space flight mission under Gaganyaan.

India has been training for its human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, and has selected group captains Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan and wing commander Shubanshu Shukla as astronauts for the mission.