Indian Startup Launches Balloon Car Bonnet to 21km Altitude
· Automobile · India Today, Moneycontrol
Aerolaunch India sent a PPF-coated miniature car bonnet to 21km via its HAB0226 mission, launching from Cuddalore on November 1, 2026. The payload experienced -50°C temperatures and intense UV exposure before landing in Melkangayan Kuppam and being recovered. CarzSpa’s Aegis XG paint protection film showed no visible damage after the flight. The mission also carried a UV data logger developed by STAR, a Surat‑based aerospace startup. A 5.7K 360‑degree camera captured the bonnet suspended in near‑space. The flight marked the 20th anniversary of automotive detailing brand CarzSpa, highlighting the film’s durability under extreme conditions.
Why it matters
The test demonstrates that advanced paint protection films can survive near‑space conditions, potentially boosting confidence among Indian drivers and global automotive detailing firms. STAR’s UV data logger adds domestic expertise in aerospace instrumentation, offering a new revenue stream for Indian tech startups. CarzSpa’s 2.5‑million customers may see product improvements informed by real‑world extreme‑environment testing.
Read the original report — India Today
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