🚀Skyroot Aerospace
Artist visualization of the Vikram-I orbital launch vehicle during night-time ignition.
Skyroot Aerospace is widely considered the pioneer of India's private space launch sector. Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the Hyderabad-headquartered startup is building a family of highly efficient, low-cost orbital launch vehicles named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Massive Milestones: The 'Prarambh' Mission
In November 2022, Skyroot achieved an unprecedented milestone by launching the Vikram-S rocket, India's first privately developed launch vehicle. The suborbital flight successfully demonstrated the viability of their carbon-composite structures and solid-fuel propulsion technology.
⚙️ Technical Specifications: Vikram Series
| Feature | Vikram I | Vikram II | Vikram III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload to LEO | 480 kg | 595 kg | 815 kg |
| Propulsion | Solid (Kalam) | Cryogenic Upp. | Methane + Cryo |
| Body Type | Carbon Fiber Composite Structures | ||
Dhawan-1: India's 3D Printed Cryo Engine
Moving beyond suborbital skips, Skyroot is pushing the boundaries of propulsion with the Dhawan-1. This is India's first privately developed cryo engine, featuring a fully 3D-printed engine cooling jacket and regenerative cooling channels. It uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel, which is cleaner and more cost-effective than traditional kerosene-based rocket propellants.
The Road to 2026: Mission Timeline
Nov 2022
Prarambh Mission
Successful suborbital launch of Vikram-S from Sriharikota.
Oct 2023
Vikram-I Unveiling
Official reveal of the first orbital-class vehicle in Hyderabad.
2024 (Upcoming)
Vikram-I Maiden Launch
Attempted orbital qualification flight to deliver multiple small satellites.
Commercial Success & Scale
Skyroot’s business model targets high-frequency, reliable launches for small satellite constellations. They have attracted significant global capital, notably leading a $51M Series B round with GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund. This funding is being funneled into building high-volume production lines for Vikram rockets, moving from bespoke engineering to scalable manufacturing.