Skyroot Aerospace, a groundbreaking company specializing in space technology and rocket development.
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private space company, is gearing up for its maiden orbital launch of the Vikram-1, a customizable and on-demand launch vehicle for global small satellite operators.
The company has successfully conducted the first static test of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, the first-stage booster of the Vikram-1. This 11-metre-long monolithic composite motor, the longest of its kind manufactured at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, passed with flying colours, validating its readiness for the upcoming launch.
The Vikram-1, named after India's father of the space programme, Vikram Sarabhai, is designed to carry 595 kilograms to a 500-kilometer low Earth orbit or 400 kilograms to a sun-synchronous polar orbit. This milestone brings India a step closer to having its first privately developed orbital rocket.
With a team of over 500 professionals, Skyroot is pushing for commercial orbital launches with Vikram-1. The company plans to leverage advanced manufacturing technologies such as carbon composite structures and 3D-printed engines to build affordable and versatile launch vehicles.
Skyroot has adopted digital transformation tools like Siemens’ Polarion software to optimize software development processes and accelerate access to space worldwide. This move reflects the company's commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Skyroot Aerospace was founded on June 12, 2018, by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, former scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation. The company began operations in a modest facility in Kondapur, Hyderabad, with an initial team of 10 people. Today, it operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad called Max-Q Headquarters, which includes cleanrooms for assembly, testing bays for engines, and simulation labs for flight modeling.
The company has grown its workforce to approximately 350 employees, comprising engineers, technicians, and support staff. Skyroot has established domestic partnerships for payload development with satellite firms and educational institutions. The company maintains strong ties with ISRO, leveraging their test beds and expertise.
Skyroot has raised over $99 million across funding rounds, with investors like GIC, Temasek, and Greenko Group supporting expansion. The naming of its vehicles after Vikram Sarabhai reflects a deep respect for India's space heritage. Many team members hail from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology.
Notable early backers include Mukesh Bansal, founder of Myntra, and Ankit Nagori, who provided capital and strategic guidance. In January 2025, the Telangana government pledged infrastructure support, fostering local manufacturing.
In June 2025, Skyroot signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Axiom Space, exploring integrated services for low Earth orbit access. The Swedish Space Corporation also assists with ground tracking.
The largest infusion came in September 2022 with $51 million in Series B, led by GIC. The Indian government's decision to liberalize the space sector in 2020 played a pivotal role in accelerating Skyroot's progress. Vasudevan Gnanagandhi, another ex-ISRO engineer, later became a key advisor.
Looking ahead, Skyroot Aerospace is poised to revolutionize the small satellite launch industry with its efficient project execution, advanced technologies, and commitment to delivering customized, on-demand launches for global clients. The successful static test of the KALAM 1200 solid motor marks a significant step towards this goal, with the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1 expected later in 2025.
[1] https://www.skyroot.space/ [2] https://www.axiomspace.com/ [3] https://www.siemens.com/in/en/home.html [4] https://www.gic.com.sg/ [5] https://www.t-hub.co/
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- Skyroot Aerospace, a private sector startup based in India, is making strides in space technology with its first orbital launch, the Vikram-1, a customizable launch vehicle for small satellite operators, setting it on a path to revolutionize the small satellite launch industry.
- The company's focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, including carbon composite structures and 3D-printed engines, aims to make launch vehicles affordable and versatile, contributing to the growth of the commercial space economy.
- By adopting digital transformation tools like Siemens’ Polarion software, Skyroot is optimizing software development processes and accelerating access to space worldwide, reflecting their commitment to innovation and efficiency.
- With the successful static test of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, the first-stage booster of the Vikram-1, Skyroot has validated its readiness for the upcoming launch, bringing India closer to having its first privately developed orbital rocket.
- Earth observation satellites could benefit significantly from increased launches by companies like Skyroot, as they contribute to areas such as climate research, disaster management, and urban planning.
- The growth of private sector space technology, exemplified by companies like Skyroot Aerospace, could foster collaboration and innovation in the broader science, space, and aerospace sectors, contributing to scientific breakthroughs and improving our understanding of the universe.
