Skyroot Aerospace represents a significant force in India’s burgeoning private space industry. The company specializes in creating cost-effective launch vehicles that enhance accessibility to space for a variety of clients. Headquartered in Hyderabad, it has rapidly evolved into an influential entity since its establishment.
Founding and Background
Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, both former scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation, founded Skyroot Aerospace on June 12, 2018. Chandana, who serves as CEO and CTO, and Daka, the COO, brought extensive experience from their time at the national agency, where they contributed to various rocket development projects. They left stable positions to venture into the private sector, driven by a desire to innovate beyond governmental constraints.
The company began operations in a modest facility in Kondapur, Hyderabad, with an initial team of just 10 people. It received early support from incubators like T-Hub and prototyping assistance from T-Works. Entrepreneurs such as Mukesh Bansal, founder of Myntra, and Ankit Nagori joined as early backers, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance. Vasudevan Gnanagandhi, another ex-ISRO engineer, later became a key advisor, strengthening the technical foundation.
Skyroot’s naming of its vehicles after Vikram Sarabhai reflects a deep respect for India’s space heritage. Sarabhai’s vision of using space technology for societal benefit resonates with the company’s goal of making space launches more routine and economical. The founders envisioned a future where small satellites could be deployed quickly without the prohibitive costs associated with traditional methods.
In 2020, the Indian government’s decision to liberalize the space sector played a pivotal role. This reform allowed private firms like Skyroot to utilize ISRO’s infrastructure for testing, which accelerated their progress. The company has since grown its workforce to approximately 350 employees, comprising engineers, technicians, and support staff. Many team members hail from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, bringing diverse expertise in propulsion, avionics, and materials science.
Skyroot operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad called Max-Q Headquarters. This site includes cleanrooms for assembly, testing bays for engines, and simulation labs for flight modeling. The emphasis on in-house development has enabled the company to control quality and reduce dependencies on external suppliers. Over the years, Skyroot has fostered a culture of innovation, encouraging rapid prototyping and iterative testing to refine their designs.
Technology and Innovations
Skyroot distinguishes itself through advanced technologies tailored for efficiency and reliability. The company employs carbon-fiber composites extensively in its rocket structures. These materials are lightweight yet strong, similar to those used in high-performance sports equipment, allowing the rockets to carry more payload while consuming less fuel.
Propulsion systems form the core of Skyroot’s innovations. They have developed a range of engines named after eminent Indian scientists. For instance, the Raman engines use liquid fuels that ignite spontaneously upon contact, simplifying the ignition process. The Kalam series consists of solid-fuel motors, which are like pre-packed energy sources that burn steadily to provide thrust.
One notable advancement is the use of 3D printing for engine components. This method allows for complex shapes to be manufactured quickly and with less waste, akin to building intricate models layer by layer. Skyroot has also pioneered regenerative cooling in its engines, where fuel circulates to absorb heat, preventing overheating during flight.
Avionics, the electronic brains of the rockets, are fully developed in-house. These systems handle navigation, communication, and control autonomously, ensuring precise trajectories. The company has integrated flex nozzles, which can pivot to steer the rocket, much like adjusting a garden hose for direction.
Safety features, such as the High Margin Safety Arm (HMSA), underscore their commitment to reliability. This device ensures that ignition occurs only under safe conditions. Thermal protection systems, including cork-based coatings, shield the rocket from extreme heat during ascent, drawing from natural materials that insulate effectively.
Skyroot’s Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM) enables precise maneuvers in space, allowing multiple satellites to be placed in different orbits from a single launch. This module includes restartable engines and thrusters for fine adjustments, enhancing the versatility of their vehicles.
Launch Vehicles
The Vikram series addresses the growing demand for launching small satellites, which are used for communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. These rockets incorporate a mix of solid and liquid stages for optimal performance across different flight phases.
Vikram-S
Vikram-S serves as a suborbital test vehicle, reaching altitudes beyond the atmosphere but not entering orbit. Standing six meters tall and weighing around 545 kilograms, it launched successfully on November 18, 2022, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission, named Prarambh, carried three payloads, including one from a student-led startup.
The launch validated essential technologies like avionics and separation mechanisms. It ascended to 89.5 kilometers, demonstrating the company’s capability to integrate and execute a complete flight sequence. Vikram-S has paved the way for orbital variants by confirming the reliability of core components.
Vikram-I
Vikram-I is designed for orbital missions, capable of delivering 595 kilograms to a 500-kilometer low Earth orbit or 400 kilograms to a sun-synchronous polar orbit. At 25 meters in height and 18 tons in weight, it features three stages: the solid-fueled Kalam-1200 first stage, Kalam-250 second stage, and liquid-fueled Raman upper stage.
The Kalam-1200, a 30-ton booster, underwent a successful static test on August 8, 2025, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This 11-meter-long motor burned for 110 seconds, achieving peak thrust and validating flex nozzle control and thermal protections. The test confirmed ballistic performance, marking a major step toward the maiden orbital flight expected later in 2025.
The second stage, Kalam-250, was tested in March 2024, propelling the rocket through the upper atmosphere. The Raman stage provides the final push into orbit, with restart capabilities for precise insertions. Vikram-I’s payload fairing, a protective shell, has been validated for separation, ensuring satellites are released safely.
The rocket’s design allows assembly in days, using modular components for quick turnaround. It supports ride-share missions, where multiple satellites share the launch to reduce costs.
Advanced Variants
Vikram-II and Vikram-III build on the first model, offering increased capacities. Vikram-II can handle 815 kilograms to low Earth orbit or 560 kilograms to polar orbit, incorporating clustered engines for more power. It introduces cryogenic technology with the Dhawan engine, using liquefied natural gas and oxygen for efficient, eco-friendly propulsion.
Vikram-III extends this further, targeting even heavier payloads. These variants feature enhanced structures and avionics for complex missions. Skyroot plans to incorporate reusability in future iterations, where parts like the first stage could return for refurbishment, lowering long-term expenses.
The series as a whole accommodates various orbital inclinations, from equatorial to polar, making it adaptable for global customers.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Skyroot’s journey includes numerous breakthroughs. In August 2020, they test-fired the Raman-I engine, India’s first private liquid rocket engine. December 2020 saw the Kalam-5 solid stage test, another first.
In 2021, the Dhawan-I cryogenic engine was fired, using 3D-printed parts. Agreements with ISRO in February and September granted access to facilities, boosting development.
The 2022 Vikram-S launch marked India’s entry into private rocketry. That year, Skyroot won the National Startup Award and ranked high on LinkedIn’s startup list.
In 2023, funding milestones included a $27.5 million pre-Series C round led by Temasek. The company achieved ISO 9001 and AS9100D certifications for quality management.
2024 brought the Kalam-250 test and progress on OAM integration. In January 2025, Telangana committed to a new facility. June 2025 saw the appointment of S. Somanath, former ISRO chairman, as Honorary Chief Technical Advisor, adding expertise for Vikram-I.
The August 2025 Kalam-1200 test solidified readiness for orbital launches. Skyroot has raised over $99 million across rounds, with investors like GIC, Temasek, and Greenko Group supporting expansion.
Funding and Growth
Skyroot’s financial trajectory reflects investor confidence. Early funding in 2018 totaled $4.3 million, including from Solar Industries. Series A in 2021 brought $11 million, led by Greenko promoters.
A 2022 bridge round added $4.5 million from Sherpalo Ventures. The largest infusion came in September 2022 with $51 million in Series B, led by GIC. The 2023 pre-Series C of $27.5 million pushed totals near $95 million.
These funds have enabled facility upgrades, talent acquisition, and technology advancement. Revenue doubled in fiscal 2024, driven by contracts and grants. The company plans further rounds to support reusability initiatives.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Skyroot maintains strong ties with ISRO, leveraging their test beds and expertise. The Kalam-1200 test exemplifies this cooperation.
Internationally, a June 2025 MoU with Axiom Space explores integrated services for low Earth orbit access. Siemens provides design software through its Xcelerator platform, aiding engineering processes.
The Swedish Space Corporation assists with ground tracking. Domestic partnerships include satellite firms and educational institutions for payload development.
In January 2025, the Telangana government pledged infrastructure support, fostering local manufacturing. These alliances enhance capabilities and market reach.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
The private space sector presents hurdles like regulatory navigation and supply chain issues. Skyroot has addressed these through certifications and in-house production.
Technical challenges, such as engine reliability, have been met with rigorous testing. The company invests in talent development to build a skilled workforce amid competition.
Impact on India’s Space Economy
Skyroot contributes to India’s ambition of a trillion-dollar space economy by 2047. As a pioneer, it inspires other startups, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Its successes demonstrate private sector potential, complementing ISRO’s efforts. By focusing on small satellites, Skyroot supports applications in agriculture, disaster management, and connectivity.
Future Developments
Skyroot gears up for Vikram-I’s debut, with final integrations underway. The OAM and payload fairing tests are complete, and avionics modules are flight-ready.
Post-launch, the company aims for regular flights, targeting multiple missions annually. Reusability features will debut in later models, potentially recovering stages for reuse.
Expansion includes international launches and constellations for global clients. Collaborations may extend to human spaceflight support via Axiom.
Skyroot envisions a fleet serving diverse needs, from scientific probes to commercial networks.
Summary
Skyroot Aerospace has positioned itself as a trailblazer in India’s private space landscape, blending innovation with strategic growth. From humble beginnings in 2018 to achieving historic tests and securing substantial funding, the company advances toward routine orbital access. With a robust team, cutting-edge technologies, and key partnerships, Skyroot continues to expand opportunities in space exploration and utilization.
What Questions Does This Article Answer?
- Who founded Skyroot Aerospace, and what are their backgrounds?
- What is the significance of the name chosen for Skyroot’s vehicles?
- How has the Indian government’s decision to liberalize the space sector in 2020 affected Skyroot Aerospace?
- What materials and technologies does Skyroot employ in their rocket designs?
- How do Skyroot’s propulsion systems and avionics contribute toward their mission?
- What are the capabilities of Skyroot’s Vikram series of launch vehicles?
- What were the outcomes of the Vikram-S suborbital test vehicle launch?
- What role has the company played in enhancing India’s space economy?
- What types of collaborations and partnerships has Skyroot established?
- What future plans and developments does Skyroot have for their launch vehicles?
