Skyroot Aerospace: Pioneering India’s Private Space Era
Skyroot Aerospace is a Hyderabad-based private aerospace startup founded in June 2018 by former ISRO engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana (CEO/CTO) and Naga Bharath Daka (COO). The company focuses on designing and launching small-lift launch vehicles for the burgeoning small satellite market :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Mission & Vision
Skyroot’s goal is to make space accessible, reliable, and affordable for Indian and international satellite operators. Its flagship product line is the modular Vikram series—named in tribute to the Indian space pioneer Vikram Sarabhai.
Milestone 1: Vikram‑S (Suborbital Demonstrator)
On 18 November 2022, Skyroot made history with Vikram‑S, launching India's first privately built rocket during "Mission Prarambh". The 6 m carbon-fiber suborbital rocket soared to ~89.5 km before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal—demonstrating critical technologies for the larger Vikram‑1 vehicle :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Building the Orbital Launcher: Vikram‑1
Skyroot is targeting its first orbital launch of Vikram‑1 in 2025, aiming to deploy up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit using a three‑stage solid system with 3D‑printed engines and carbon-composite structures :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
In May 2025, the company successfully tested Vikram‑1’s stage‑separation system, ensuring smooth, shock‑free stage releases in space—an essential step ahead of its debut launch » :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Advanced Propulsion: Kalam & Raman Engines
Skyroot has developed solid propulsion systems known as “Kalam” (Kalam-80, Kalam-100, Kalam-1200) and the liquid-propellant “Raman” engine (clustered thrusters for orbital maneuvering) — both featuring advanced carbon-fibre, 3D‑printed technology :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Global Collaboration & Facilities
In January 2025, Skyroot opened India's first private integrated rocket development facility near Hyderabad’s airport, marking a leap in domestic capabilities for design, manufacturing, and testing :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
In June 2025, Skyroot signed an MoU with US-based Axiom Space to collaborate on access to low Earth orbit and future exploration missions, highlighting its growing international reach :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Impact & Future Outlook
Having raised over ₹526 crore (≈$70 m) and being the largest funded Private Space Startup in India, Skyroot is unlocking the potential of the country’s space reforms and emerging as a global competitor in small‑satellite launch services :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Its next target: make Vikram‑1 operational in 2025, followed by Vikram‑II and III—potentially reusable and capable of multi‑orbit insertion, propelling India to a leading role in commercial small launch vehicles.
Conclusion
Skyroot Aerospace stands at the forefront of India’s private space revolution, blending cutting‑edge composite engineering, rapid prototyping, and strategic international partnerships. As it moves toward orbital launch, the company is poised to transform India’s role in the global space economy.
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