tech · 2026-07-02
Skyroot's Vikram 1 Eyes India's First
8bc80066-c6b4-457d-99f4-c747cd5394e0
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1, India's first private orbital rocket, is fully stacked at Sriharikota for launch between Jul 12 and Aug 4.This is India's first private rocket designed to deploy satellites, not just reach space. Vikram-S in 2022 was sub-orbital only.Small satellite makers and Indian space startups gain a domestic, on-demand launch option that reduces dependence on foreign rockets.
What makes Vikram 1 different from Vikram-S?
Vikram-S in Nov 2022 was sub-orbital, meaning it reached space but didn't orbit or deploy payloads. Vikram 1 targets a 450 km low Earth orbit at 60-degree inclination and can carry up to 350 kg. It uses solid fuel boosters, an all-carbon composite body, and a 3D-printed liquid engine, all manufactured in India.
How does Vikram 1's onboard computer work?
Vikram 1's mission computer, named Ramanujan, runs guidance, navigation, and control algorithms that coordinate with flight sequence software. The rocket makes autonomous decisions during flight with no pilot or remote joystick. This mirrors how SpaceX's Falcon 9 uses onboard avionics to self-correct trajectory mid-flight.
Why use solid fuel boosters plus a liquid engine?
Solid fuel boosters provide high thrust for liftoff and are simpler to manufacture and store. The 3D-printed liquid engine, used in the upper stage, allows throttle control for precise orbital insertion. RocketLab's Electron uses a similar hybrid approach. Combining both optimizes cost while maintaining accuracy for satellite deployment.
What does the all-carbon composite structure do?
Carbon composite is roughly 5x lighter than steel at comparable strength. Lighter structure means more payload capacity per unit of thrust. For a small rocket carrying only 350 kg to orbit, every kilogram of body weight saved directly translates to payload. ISRO's SSLV also uses composite structures for similar weight-saving reasons.
Could this change how India launches satellites?
India currently relies on ISRO's PSLV or foreign rockets like SpaceX for small satellite launches. Vikram 1 is designed as an on-demand launcher for rapid, customizable small satellite deployments. If successful, Skyroot becomes only the fourth private company globally, after SpaceX, RocketLab, and Firefly, to reach orbit independently.
How does ISRO's SSLV compare on cost and capacity?
ISRO's SSLV carries up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit, slightly more than Vikram 1's 350 kg. But SSLV launches are scheduled by ISRO's calendar. Skyroot's pitch is on-demand, rapid-turnaround launches. Private launchers globally, like RocketLab at ~$7.5Mn per launch, compete on scheduling flexibility rather than raw capacity.
What role did INSPACe play in enabling this?
INSPACe, created in 2020, is India's space regulator that authorizes private launches and grants access to ISRO facilities. Skyroot's Vikram 1 launches from ISRO's First Launch Pad at Sriharikota under INSPACe approval. Without this regulatory body, private firms would have no legal pathway to use govt launch infrastructure.
Is there a market for sub-500 kg launches?
The sub-500 kg satellite market is growing at ~15% annually, driven by Earth-observation constellations and IoT networks. Over 2,000 small satellites are expected to launch globally by 2028. Currently, most ride-share on larger rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9, but dedicated small launchers offer precise orbit placement without waiting for a host mission.
Which satellite makers could use Vikram 1?
Indian startups building small Earth-observation or IoT satellites, like Pixxel and Dhruva Space, could benefit from a domestic launcher offering faster scheduling. Skyroot's Vikram 1 targets the sub-500 kg category, where global demand is growing but affordable, flexible launch slots remain scarce.
Who are Skyroot's early satellite customers?
Skyroot has not publicly named paying customers for this test flight. The mission is a demonstration launch. However, the company has signed framework agreements with several satellite operators. In 2022, Singapore-based NuSpace signed an early MoU with Skyroot for future small satellite deployment on Vikram-series rockets.
How does Pixxel's constellation benefit here?
Pixxel is building a constellation of over 24 hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellites, each weighing under 50 kg. A domestic launcher like Vikram 1 could offer Pixxel faster, cheaper access to specific orbital planes. Currently, Pixxel uses SpaceX ride-shares, which means accepting SpaceX's orbit choice rather than an optimal custom orbit.
Could Skyroot compete with RocketLab globally?
RocketLab charges ~$7.5Mn per Electron launch for up to 300 kg. India's lower manufacturing costs could let Skyroot undercut that significantly. However, RocketLab has completed over 50 launches and has proven reliability. Skyroot must first demonstrate successful orbital insertion, then build a launch cadence before global customers would shift contracts.
Source: indianexpress.com