India's private space sector is on the brink of a groundbreaking achievement as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, a startup founded by a former ISRO scientist, prepares for its maiden orbital rocket launch. This ambitious venture, valued at a staggering Rs 1,500 crore, is set to revolutionize space access, making it as accessible as booking a cab or chartering a private jet.
The brainchild of Pawan Kumar Chandana, a mechanical engineer from IIT Kharagpur, Skyroot's journey began with a simple yet profound question: what is the most challenging machine ever built by humans? This led Chandana to pursue a career in rocket science, eventually joining ISRO where he worked on India's heaviest rocket, the 'Bahubali' or the Launch Vehicle Mark-3.
After leaving his secure government job, Chandana, along with co-founder Naga Bharath Daka, embarked on a transformative journey. In just eight years, they've created a company valued at Rs 1,500 crore, launching India's first private suborbital rocket, Vikram S, in November 2022. This achievement marked Skyroot as India's first private space tech unicorn.
The upcoming Vikram 1 rocket, designed as an orbital-class launch vehicle, is set to carry a payload of up to 300 kilograms in its current version, with future upgrades capable of delivering close to one tonne into orbit. Skyroot's unique business model, akin to an 'Uber to space', offers dedicated access to space, allowing customers to choose their orbit and schedule, much like hiring a private jet.
This model aligns with global trends, as the demand for quick, customized launches rises with the increasing number of smaller satellites. The global space launch market, currently worth tens of billions of dollars, is expected to expand sharply in the coming years, driven by the need for data centers in space and communication applications.
Skyroot's strength lies in India's space ecosystem built over decades by ISRO. Over 90% of its rocket components are sourced domestically, with more than 400 suppliers contributing to the program. India's geographic advantage, with launch sites close to the Equator and new facilities in Tamil Nadu, enhances access to polar orbits.
However, building rockets is far harder than most people imagine, as Chandana admits. Skyroot's team of over a thousand young engineers, with a median age of 28, is at the core of India's new space ambitions, pushing the country into an elite global club of private launch providers.
Looking ahead, Skyroot's long-term roadmap includes bigger rockets and reusable systems, with reusability being a key trend in global spaceflight. Human spaceflight is also part of the vision, though not an immediate priority. Chandana's personal aspiration to experience space reflects the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
As Skyroot readies for the Vikram 1 launch, the stakes are high. Success will not only cement its position as India's leading private space company but also signal the arrival of a new era where private players play a central role in space exploration. With a clear goal of 'open space for all', Skyroot's success could mark the beginning of an entirely new trajectory for India's space ambitions.
