Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launched India’s first Super Pressure Balloon in Vijayawada on Wednesday, calling it a landmark achievement for the country and Andhra Pradesh.
The launch, conducted by Red Balloon Aerospace, marked India’s entry into stratospheric super-pressure balloon systems. Naidu described the event as a significant milestone showcasing India’s rapid advances in space and technology under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasised that India’s space industry, currently valued at $8 billion, aims to expand to $40 billion within the next decade.
Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s growing role in emerging technologies, pointing to the rise of data centres and the state’s potential as a hub for artificial intelligence and machine learning. He said the launch reflects the state’s expanding footprint in future-focused industries.
CVS Kiran, CEO of Red Balloon Aerospace, termed the launch historic, noting that India has joined the ranks of countries with advanced stratospheric balloon systems. He expressed hope that the technology would evolve into aerostats and airships in the future.
Naidu also addressed public health concerns, stating that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has implemented standard operating procedures at airports for Ebola detection and quarantine measures. He assured that international airports are prepared to handle potential cases with strict protocols.
