Red Balloon Aerospace aims to build India’s near-space infrastructure

India’s private space sector has largely focused on rockets, satellites, and launching payloads into orbit. But Vijayawada-based Red Balloon Aerospace is looking at the region below satellites, developing platforms that can operate at high altitudes for extended periods. Founded in 2025 by former Skyroot Aerospace Vice Presidents CVS Kiran and Sireesh Pallikonda, the startup is developing what it calls a near-space infrastructure layer using stratospheric airships, aerostats, and super-pressure