Skyroot Aerospace Gears Up for India’s First Private Rocket Launch — Inside Nation’s Most-Funded Space Startup from Hyderabad

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for a landmark moment — the launch of India’s first privately built commercial rocket within the next three months. The mission, targeted for January, marks a new chapter in India’s space history, three years after private players were allowed to enter the sector.

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace was born with a bold vision — to make space launches as accessible as air travel. The startup now leads India’s private space revolution, blending innovation with India’s deep space heritage.

Operating from Hyderabad, Telangana, Skyroot’s 500-member team is building cutting-edge Vikram-series rockets using carbon composites and 3D-printed engines. The city is fast emerging as India’s private aerospace capital, nurturing startups ready to complement ISRO’s legacy.

Skyroot’s first full-scale commercial satellite launch, using the Vikram-1 rocket, will place multiple small satellites into orbit. The mission will generate nearly $5 million in revenue, signaling India’s entry into the global commercial launch market.

With financial backing from Singapore’s Temasek Holdings and GIC, Skyroot is India’s most-funded space startup. This strong investor confidence reflects the growing belief that India’s private space industry is ready to compete with global players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab.

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Skyroot made history in 2022 with ‘Mission Prarambh’, launching India’s first private rocket Vikram-S from Sriharikota. The suborbital test reached an altitude of 89.5 km — paving the way for the upcoming orbital mission and marking the birth of India’s private launch ecosystem.

Starting with one launch every quarter in 2026, Skyroot aims to ramp up to one rocket launch every month by 2027. Each mission is designed to serve global satellite operators seeking on-demand, low-cost access to space.

Skyroot’s rockets are built using 3D-printed propulsion systems and lightweight carbon composites, enabling faster manufacturing at lower cost. Its proprietary Kalam-1200 engine is the largest privately built propulsion system in India.

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Skyroot’s upcoming launch embodies India’s 2020 space sector reforms, which opened the door to private innovation under IN-SPACe supervision. The initiative aims to build a vibrant private ecosystem complementing ISRO’s research-led missions.

If successful, Skyroot’s commercial launch will mark the beginning of frequent, privately led orbital missions from India. It’s a symbol of how startups, innovation, and government collaboration are together redefining India’s role in the global space economy.