Bengaluru-based space tech startup EtherealX, specialising in reusable rockets, secured $5 million in a seed funding round led by YourNest. The round also saw investments from BIG Global Investments, JSC, BlueHill Capital, and others.

EtherealX said that it will use the cash to develop engines for their planned totally reusable medium-lift launch vehicle, called the “Razor Crest Mk-1”.

Manu J Nair, founder-chief executive officer of EtherealX, said, “The funds from this round will be utilised towards the completion of our test facility, final tests and qualification of the 40kN engine for the upper stage, and for the manufacturing of the 925kN semi-cryogenic engine.”

In contrast to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which offers partial reusability by returning its booster to Earth after successful launches, the firm EtherealX said that their vehicles are designed to recover both the upper stage and the rocket.

The company was founded in 2022 by a group of former ISRO scientists, including Nair, Shubhayu Sardar, Prashant Sharma, and the Chief Operating Officer.

“Class-specific launch vehicles have always been limiting, both technologically and cost-wise. We solve this with a clear tech advantage, addressing both frequency and pricing challenges. We are thrilled our investors share this broader vision for our civilisation and high-impact technology. Together, we shall recalibrate the preconceived notions of what’s possible,” Manu said.

The launch vehicle would be able to lift 8 tons into lower Earth orbit in addition to delivering payloads of more than 24.8 tons in a disposable configuration and 22.8 tons in a partially reusable configuration.

Its goal is to deliver payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.

Tired of missing hot stocks? Unicorn Signals provides powerful tools like stock scans and more help you make informed trading decisions. Download now and take control of your portfolio!