Skyroot Launches India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 from Hyderabad

Skyroot Makes History with Vikram-1 Launch

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first private orbital rocket, according to Telangana Today. The launch marks a watershed moment for the country’s space sector, which has long been dominated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying a payload of small satellites. Vikram-1 is designed to place payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit, catering to the growing demand from private companies and research institutions.

From Startup to Space: Skyroot’s Journey

Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka. The company has raised significant funding from investors, including a recent round led by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund.

The Vikram series of rockets is named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. Skyroot had previously launched a suborbital test vehicle, Vikram-S, in 2022, which was India’s first private rocket to reach space.

Policy Push Opens Doors for Private Players

The launch comes after the Indian government’s 2020 reforms that opened the space sector to private participation. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was set up to facilitate private launches and ensure a level playing field.

Officials said the success of Vikram-1 could pave the way for more private players to enter the market. Skyroot has already announced plans for a larger rocket, Vikram-2, which will be capable of carrying heavier payloads.

What This Means for India’s Space Economy

With the launch, Skyroot joins a small group of private companies worldwide that have successfully placed satellites in orbit. The global small satellite launch market is expected to grow to over $7 billion by 2030, and Indian firms are positioning themselves to capture a share.

The government has set a target of increasing India’s share of the global space economy from 2% to 10% by 2030. Private players like Skyroot are expected to play a key role in achieving this goal.

Next Steps for Skyroot

The company plans to conduct multiple commercial launches in the coming months, with a focus on providing cost-effective services for small satellite operators. Skyroot has also signed agreements with several international clients for future launches.

As India’s private space sector takes off, all eyes will be on how quickly these companies can scale up and compete with established players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab.