Biography of Naga Bharat: Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Skyroot Aerospace
Journey of Naga Bharat: A Leader in Aerospace Innovation
Born on September 8, 1989, in Hyderabad, Naga Bharat is a
prominent aerospace scientist and space entrepreneur, currently serving as the
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Skyroot Aerospace. His educational
background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a
Master’s degree in Microelectronics and VLSI Design from IIT-Madras. Bharat’s
career is marked by his tenure at the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), where he worked as a Flight Computer Engineer at VSSC, contributing to
the development of key onboard computer modules for launch vehicles.
Early Education
Before pursuing higher education, Bharat Daka attended
Narayana Junior College in Hyderabad, where he focused on Maths, Physics, and
Chemistry, achieving an impressive grade of 96%. His early schooling was
completed at Little Angels High School in Visakhapatnam, where he graduated
with a grade of 87% in general studies. These formative years laid the
groundwork for his future success in aerospace engineering and technology.
Academic Achievements
In 2007, he excelled in engineering entrance exams,
achieving a notable 91st rank in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination
(AIEEE) and a 165th All India Rank (AIR) in the Joint Entrance Examination
(JEE). These accomplishments reflected his strong academic foundation in
engineering.
Educational Background
Bharat Daka's educational journey is marked by his dual
degree program at IIT Madras, where he completed both a Bachelor of Technology
(B.Tech.) in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in
Microelectronics and VLSI Design. His undergraduate studies were from 2007 to
2011, followed by his integrated master’s degree from 2011 to 2012. This
rigorous academic foundation has equipped him with deep expertise in
electronics and aerospace technology.
Initial Industry Exposure
His professional journey began with an internship at Tata
Elxsi in 2010, where he gained initial experience in the field. Daka’s
background in avionics engineering and his work with leading technology firms
have provided him with a strong foundation for his current endeavors in the
aerospace industry.
Beginnings and ISRO Experience
Naga Bharath Daka began his career at the Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, a key space research center under
ISRO. Joining in October 2012, he worked as an avionics engineer, contributing
to India's space research efforts. He left VSSC in April 2015 to pursue other
opportunities.
Transition to Xilinx and Subsequent Ventures
After his tenure at ISRO, Naga moved to Xilinx in May 2015.
At Xilinx, he worked as a senior product applications engineer, focusing on
video and PCI express IP solutions. He spent over three years with the company
before leaving in August 2018 to embark on new ventures. Daka accumulated
valuable experience at Xilinx as a Senior Product Applications Engineer from
May 2015 to August 2018. At Xilinx, he specialized in supporting Video and PCI
Express IP solutions, assisting customers with integrating these technologies
into their designs.
Founding Skyroot Aerospace
In August 2018, Naga Bharath Daka co-founded Skyroot
Aerospace in Hyderabad, India, alongside Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO
scientist. Skyroot Aerospace specializes in manufacturing private launch
vehicles and has gained recognition in the aerospace industry. The company was
established with the support of notable figures including Vasudevan Gnana
Gandhi, an Indian rocket scientist, as well as entrepreneurs Mukesh Bansal and
Ankit Nagor.
Key Milestones and Partnerships
Skyroot Aerospace made headlines on November 20, 2020, when
it signed a memorandum of understanding with Dhruva Space, another prominent
aerospace manufacturer in India. This partnership signifies a significant
milestone for Skyroot Aerospace as it continues to advance in the field of
space technology and private space launches.
Funding Milestones and Key Investors
On May 20, 2021, Skyroot Aerospace secured $11 million in
Series A funding. This round saw contributions from notable entities such as
Greenko Group, Solar Industries, WhatsApp’s Chief Business Officer Neeraj
Arora, Myntra and Cult.fit founder Mukesh Bansal, Sutton Capital, and Vedanshu
Investments, among others.
Breaking New Ground with ISRO
In September 2021, Skyroot Aerospace made headlines by
becoming the first Indian startup to gain access to ISRO's facilities and
expertise. This milestone came after signing an agreement with ISRO’s
Department of Space, allowing Skyroot to test its rocket systems and
sub-systems.
Series B Success
On January 27, 2022, Skyroot Aerospace raised $4.5 million
in Series B funding. This round featured investments from Sherpalo Ventures,
led by Google board member Ram Shriram, former Google executive Amit Singhal,
Wami Capital, and others.
Engine Testing Achievements
Skyroot Aerospace achieved a significant milestone on July
30, 2020, by test-firing the Raman-1 engine, a hypergolic-fuel upper-stage
engine. Named after Indian physicist C. V. Raman, this test made Skyroot the
first Indian private company to test such an engine.
Rocket Engine Developments
On December 22, 2020, Skyroot tested the Kalam-5, a
solid-fuel rocket engine named after A. P. J. Kalam. The test occurred at a
private facility in Nagpur, owned by Solar Industries. The “5” in Kalam-5
represents the engine’s peak sea level thrust of 5.3 kN.
Biography of Naga Bharat: Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Skyroot Aerospace/Success story of Skyroot/Journey of Naga Bharat/ Private Aerospace
Successful Test of Dhawan-1 Cryogenic Engine
On November 25, 2021, the Dhawan-1 upper-stage cryogenic
engine achieved a significant milestone with a successful test at a private
site provided by Solar Industries. This engine, named in honor of the esteemed
Indian mathematician and aerospace engineer Satish Dhawan, represents a major
advancement in cryogenic technology. Dhawan-1 was tested using liquefied
natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX), showcasing its innovative design and
capabilities.
Innovative Design and Technology
The Dhawan-1 engine features cutting-edge technology,
including 3D printing and regenerative cooling using superalloys. These
advancements not only enhance the engine's performance but also contribute to
its ability to support heavier-lift systems such as the Vikram-II rocket. By
incorporating LNG as a fuel, Dhawan-1 stands out as the first cryogenic engine
in India to utilize this clean and reusable energy source.
Advantages of LNG as a Fuel
The choice of LNG for Dhawan-1 is significant because LNG is
known for being a clean and reusable fuel. Its properties make it particularly
well-suited for long-duration space missions, where efficiency and
sustainability are critical. The successful use of LNG in Dhawan-1 marks a
notable step forward in India's space technology, reflecting ongoing efforts to
innovate and improve the country’s aerospace capabilities.
Partnership with Bellatrix Aerospace
In February 2021, Skyroot Aerospace formed a strategic alliance
with Bellatrix Aerospace. This collaboration involves integrating Bellatrix's
orbital transfer vehicle technology with the Vikram series rockets, enhancing
their capability for orbital missions and expanding their functionality.
Successful Launch of Vikram-S
Skyroot Aerospace achieved a significant milestone on
November 18, 2022, with the successful launch of Vikram-S from Sriharikota.
This event marked India's first private rocket launch, demonstrating the
company's technical prowess and commitment to advancing space exploration.
Specifications and Future Plans
The Vikram-S rocket is a single-stage sub-orbital vehicle
designed to carry three payloads, which also serves to test and validate
technologies for the Vikram series. Looking ahead, the series includes Vikram
I, which can be rapidly assembled and launched with minimal infrastructure;
Vikram II, featuring an advanced cryogenic Methalox engine; and Vikram III,
capable of being assembled and launched from any site within 72 hours. These
innovations aim to enhance flexibility and responsiveness in satellite
deployment and other space missions.
Major Advancements with Kalam-100
By May 2022, Skyroot Aerospace completed a full-duration
test of the Kalam-100, a rocket stage for the Vikram-1. With a peak vacuum
thrust of around 100 kN (10 tons) and a burn time of 108 seconds, Kalam-100
features a high-strength carbon fiber structure and innovative design elements.
It was reported as the largest rocket stage ever designed, manufactured, and
tested by a private company.
Recognition in the Startup World
In September 2021, Skyroot Aerospace was celebrated for its
rapid growth by being ranked 7th among the top 25 emerging companies in India
on LinkedIn’s 2021 Top Startups List. This recognition highlighted the
company's significant impact in the aerospace sector.
Expertise and Career Achievements
During his time at ISRO, Bharat specialized in hardware and
firmware development for critical flight systems that handle sequencing,
navigation, control, and guidance functions. He also gained significant
experience in the semiconductor industry, focusing on Field Programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs) used in space and defense applications. At Skyroot Aerospace,
Bharat leads the operations, avionics, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control
(GNC) teams, driving advancements in space technology.
Awards and Recognition
Under Bharat’s leadership, Skyroot Aerospace has received
numerous accolades. In 2020, the company won the National Startup Award from
the Government of India. The following year, it secured the Pride of Telangana
- Startup Achiever Award and the Aegis Graham Bell Award for innovation. In
2021, Skyroot also received the Best Innovator Award at the Telangana State
Industry Awards. In 2022, the company was honored with the National Award for
Technology Startups for its contributions to cryogenic, liquid, and solid
propulsion technologies.
Vision and Future
With a solid background in aerospace technology and a track
record of successful innovations, Naga Bharat continues to play a crucial role
in shaping the future of space exploration through his work at Skyroot
Aerospace. His contributions are helping to push the boundaries of space
technology and establish India as a leader in the global aerospace industry.
Career and Achievements
In his professional career, Bharat Daka has made significant
contributions to aerospace technology through his work at Skyroot Aerospace.
His role involves leading teams in operations and avionics, as well as driving
innovation in space technology. His achievements include successful tests of
advanced technologies such as the Dhawan-1 cryogenic engine, underscoring his
impact on the field.
Personal Information
Naga Bharat Daka was born on September 8, 1989, and hails
from Hyderabad, Telangana. He is married, having tied the knot on December 10,
2016. His personal and professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing
aerospace technology and contributing to India’s growing presence in the global
space industry.
Timeline of Naga Bharat’s story:
September 8, 1989: Born in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Early 2000s: Attended Little Angels High School in
Visakhapatnam.
2007-2009: Studied at Narayana Junior College, achieving 96%
in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.
2007: Achieved 91st rank in AIEEE and 165th rank in JEE.
2007-2011: Completed B.Tech in Electrical Engineering at
IIT-Madras.
2011-2012: Completed M.Tech in Microelectronics and VLSI
Design at IIT-Madras.
2010: Interned at Tata Elxsi.
October 2012-April 2015: Worked as a Flight Computer
Engineer at ISRO’s VSSC.
May 2015-August 2018: Worked as a Senior Product
Applications Engineer at Xilinx.
August 2018: Co-founded Skyroot Aerospace.
November 20, 2020: Skyroot signed an MOU with Dhruva Space.
May 20, 2021: Skyroot secured $11 million in Series A
funding.
September 2021: Skyroot became the first Indian startup to
access ISRO’s facilities.
January 27, 2022: Skyroot raised $4.5 million in Series B
funding.
July 30, 2020: Test-fired the Raman-1 engine.
December 22, 2020: Tested the Kalam-5 solid-fuel rocket
engine.
November 25, 2021: Successfully tested the Dhawan-1
cryogenic engine.
February 2021: Formed a strategic alliance with Bellatrix
Aerospace.
November 18, 2022: Achieved India’s first private rocket
launch with Vikram-S.
May 2022: Completed a full-duration test of the Kalam-100
rocket stage.
September 2021: Ranked 7th among the top 25 emerging
companies in India on LinkedIn.
December 10, 2016: Married.
