Spreading wings: On the Vikram-1 launch
Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, marking a milestone for India's private space sector. The company aims to provide flexible, cost-effective satellite launch services to compete with established global players.
Why it matters
This launch signals the maturation of India's private space industry, potentially lowering costs and increasing access to orbit for commercial satellite operators.
The launch of the Vikram-1 rocket built by Skyroot Aerospace from Sriharikota marked the Indian private sector’s first orbital flight. Vikram-1 is a four-stage launcher designed to provide what Skyroot has called a “cab service” for satellites, letting customers pick their orbit and launch schedule rather than accept the orbital slot and drop-off point presented by rideshares, at a commensurate premium. Skyroot is targeting a price per launch below that of the PSLV and above that of the SSLV (projected), to be achieved in part by basing the rocket on carbon-composite structures. It also has plans for a more powerful Vikram-2 rocket. The company was founded in 2018 by two former ISRO engineers and its path to orbit followed engine tests in 2020 and a suborbital flight in 2022.
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