Hyderabad-based space-tech startup Skyroot Aerospace is on track to make history with the launch of India’s first privately-built orbital rocket, Vikram-1, by January 2026. This milestone marks a defining moment for India’s growing private space industry, as Skyroot moves from sub-orbital success to achieving full-scale orbital capability.
Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace has quickly established itself as a pioneer in India’s commercial space ecosystem. The company’s mission is to make space more accessible by offering cost-effective, reliable, and flexible launch solutions for small satellites — a rapidly expanding market across the globe.
Skyroot first gained national and international recognition in 2022, when it successfully launched Vikram-S, the country’s first privately developed sub-orbital rocket. That breakthrough demonstrated India’s private sector potential in the space domain and opened doors for future commercial missions led by homegrown startups. Building on that success, Vikram-1 is set to be the company’s first orbital launch vehicle — a crucial step toward enabling regular satellite deployment services.
The startup has reportedly completed all major pre-launch milestones for the Vikram-1 mission, including fairing separation and stage firing trials. These tests are vital for ensuring the rocket’s performance and reliability during actual flight. Once launched, Vikram-1 will place small satellites into low-Earth orbit, serving a range of domestic and international customers seeking affordable and efficient access to space.
Skyroot’s progress comes at a pivotal time when India’s private space ecosystem is expanding rapidly under the guidance of IN-SPACe and with the support of ISRO. The company’s advancements not only strengthen India’s position in the global space economy but also showcase the country’s growing capabilities in end-to-end space mission execution.
As Skyroot Aerospace prepares for the Vikram-1 launch by January 2026, it stands poised to redefine India’s role in the global commercial space race—driven by innovation, indigenous technology, and the vision of democratizing access to orbit.
