Skyroot Aerospace: A Prestigious Entity in the Realm of Space Technology
Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian private space company, has made significant strides in its mission to revolutionise the space industry. The company's orbital launch vehicle, Vikram-I, has successfully completed the static test of its first stage solid motor, KALAM 1200, marking a significant milestone in its development.
The KALAM 1200 motor, measuring 11 meters long and 1.7 meters in diameter, is the longest monolithic solid rocket motor ever manufactured at ISRO’s Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota. With 30 tonnes of solid propellant, this test validates the performance of the 30-tonne booster stage crucial for the launch vehicle.
The successful 110-second test firing at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre demonstrated that the motor generated the desired thrust and will enable Vikram-I to lift off the launchpad and reach an altitude of over 50 kilometers before stage separation occurs.
Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, former scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation, on June 12, 2018, Skyroot Aerospace has grown from a modest facility in Kondapur, Hyderabad, with an initial team of 10 people, to a state-of-the-art facility called Max-Q Headquarters, housing approximately 350 employees, comprising engineers, technicians, and support staff.
The company's naming of its vehicles after Vikram Sarabhai reflects a deep respect for India’s space heritage. Skyroot maintains partnerships with ISRO, Axiom Space, Siemens, the Swedish Space Corporation, and various satellite firms and educational institutions. Early support from incubators like T-Hub and prototyping assistance from T-Works have been instrumental in Skyroot's progress.
Notable investors in Skyroot include GIC, Temasek, Greenko Group, Sherpalo Ventures, and entrepreneurs such as Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori, who not only provide capital but also strategic guidance.
Regarding the maiden orbital flight, it is scheduled to take place later in 2025, aiming to become India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle to successfully place payloads into orbit. This planned launch will enable Skyroot Aerospace to provide on-demand and customized small satellite launches globally.
The Telangana government pledged infrastructure support in January 2025, further boosting Skyroot's ambitions. Vasudevan Gnanagandhi, another ex-ISRO engineer, later became a key advisor, strengthening the technical foundation. Many team members hail from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, bringing diverse expertise in propulsion, avionics, and materials science.
Skyroot is gearing up for the debut of Vikram-I, with final integrations underway. The company aims for regular flights, targeting multiple missions annually, and plans for international launches and constellations for global clients. Collaborations may extend to human spaceflight support via Axiom, making Skyroot a key player in the evolving space industry.
Read also:
- U Power's strategic collaborator UNEX EV has inked a Letter of Intent with Didi Mobility to deploy UOTTA(TM) battery-swapping electric vehicles in Mexico.
- Gold nanorod market to reach a value of USD 573.3 million by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%
- Enhanced Financial Incentives for Electric Vehicles Set to Launch in Italy
- Day of the White Mushroom Unveiling
