Hyderabad, India — November 8, 2025: In a landmark development for India’s rapidly growing private space sector, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is gearing up to launch the country’s first privately built orbital rocket — Vikram-1 — by January 2026. The ambitious mission marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global hub for commercial space exploration and satellite launches.
A Historic Leap for India’s Space Industry
Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as India’s most-funded private space startup, backed by major investors such as GIC, Greenko Group, and Sherpalo Ventures. The company’s Vikram series of rockets are named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.
After the successful sub-orbital launch of Vikram-S in November 2022, Skyroot became the first private company in India to launch a rocket into space. The upcoming Vikram-1 mission is expected to take the company to the next level — entering the orbital launch market and competing globally with small satellite launch providers like Rocket Lab and Astra.
Vikram-1: Technical Highlights
- Rocket Type: Three-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle
- Payload Capacity: Up to 480 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Engine: Equipped with Skyroot’s proprietary “Kalam” engine series
- Technology: Uses carbon composite structures and 3D-printed cryogenic engines
- Mission Goal: Deploy small and medium satellites for commercial and government clients
The Vikram-1 rocket is designed for quick turnaround and cost-effective launches, addressing the growing global demand for small satellite deployment in communication, remote sensing, and Earth observation.
Why Hyderabad is Emerging as India’s Space Startup Hub
Hyderabad, already known for its thriving IT and defense manufacturing sectors, is now cementing its position as India’s private space capital. With startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, and Ananth Technologies leading the charge, the city has become a nucleus for innovation, R&D, and advanced manufacturing in the aerospace domain.
The Telangana government has also extended policy support and infrastructure through T-Hub and TSIC (Telangana State Innovation Cell), encouraging high-tech startups in emerging sectors such as space, AI, and robotics.
Economic and Technological Impact
Industry experts believe Skyroot’s success could have a transformational effect on the Indian space ecosystem:
- Boost to Employment: The company has already created hundreds of high-skilled jobs in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and data analytics.
- Increased Investments: The mission could attract more global investors to India’s private space sector.
- Technological Advancement: Indigenous 3D printing, carbon-fiber composites, and green propulsion technologies are being scaled up for future missions.
- Global Recognition: India’s cost-efficient launch capability could position it as a major global competitor in the small satellite launch market.
Government and ISRO Collaboration
Skyroot’s efforts align with India’s new Space Policy 2023, which opened the space sector to private players and established the IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) as a single-window clearance authority. The policy allows companies like Skyroot to use ISRO’s launch infrastructure and technology under regulated partnerships.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the Vikram-1 orbital launch will not only solidify Skyroot Aerospace’s place as a pioneer in India’s private space revolution but will also showcase Hyderabad’s emergence as a global aerospace innovation hub.
“Our mission is to make space more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Vikram-1 will be the first step toward democratizing space for everyone,” said Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO and Co-Founder of Skyroot Aerospace.
With the countdown already underway, the world is watching as Skyroot Aerospace prepares to make history once again — launching India’s private space dream into orbit.