Onkar Singh Batra: The 19-Year-Old Building Space's Next Internet

04At just nineteen, Onkar Singh Batra is redefining what it means to lead in aerospace.

As founder and CEO of Apolink, a YC-backed startup building a 24/7 Internet for satellites, he's tackling one of space's most complex challenges; eliminating communication dead zones in low Earth orbit.

In this episode, Onkar shares how he went from launching satellites in high school to leading a Silicon Valley space-tech company, what he's learned about leadership before his 20th birthday, and why true innovation in aerospace comes from those willing to think differently.

"You can't go at it alone. Space forces you to be a team player."

This conversation isn't just about technology.

It's about the next generation of aerospace leadership — visionaries who value mission over pedigree, teamwork over ego, and impact over age.

Inside this episode:

– How Apolink is building the always-on communication layer for low Earth orbit

– What it takes to earn credibility as a young founder in aerospace

– The funding and focus behind YC's newest space startup

– How leadership evolves when you're managing engineers twice your age

– Why slowing down and reconnecting with nature cured his founder burnout