Skyroot Aerospace Vikram Launch Vehicles

Skyroot Aerospace, based in Hyderabad, became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket when Vikram-S completed a successful suborbital flight in November 2022. Named after Vikram Sarabhai (the father of India's space program), the Vikram series of launch vehicles is designed for the small satellite launch market. Vikram-1 is being developed for orbital launches carrying payloads up to 480 kg to low Earth orbit.

Skyroot's vehicles feature carbon composite structures (lighter than traditional metal), 3D-printed upper-stage engines, and solid-fuel first stages using ISRO-licensed propellant technology. The company aims to offer dedicated small satellite launches at prices competitive with rideshare options, but with the flexibility of choosing your own orbit and launch timing — a significant value proposition for satellite operators.

Backed by over $100 million in funding from investors including GIC (Singapore's sovereign wealth fund), Skyroot is building an end-to-end launch capability. The company benefits from India's space policy reforms, access to ISRO facilities, and India's cost advantages in aerospace manufacturing. Skyroot's ambition is to be 'India's SpaceX' — a private launch company that dramatically reduces the cost and increases the frequency of access to space.