Ex-Skyroot Execs Launch Red Balloon to Build Stratospheric Platforms

3 Sept 2026, 6:38 pm · 9d ago · 1 min read · Inc42

Vijayawada-based spacetech startup Red Balloon Aerospace has successfully launched an indigenous super-pressure balloon designed for prolonged operations in the stratosphere, approximately 20 kilometres above Earth. Founded by former Skyroot Aerospace executives CVS Kiran and Sireesh Pallikonda, the company develops near-space platforms including high-altitude aerostats, balloons, and solar-powered airships. By commercializing the stratosphere—a challenging region marked by extreme cold, low air density, and severe radiation—Red Balloon aims to bridge the operational gap between traditional aviation and orbital satellites, offering novel solutions for long-duration atmospheric surveillance, communication infrastructure, and remote sensing.