Space in India was mostly seen as an ISRO thing. Private companies had limited room to build and launch rockets of their own. That started changing when the government opened up the space sector to private players. And that’s where Skyroot Aerospace came into the picture.
Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, both former ISRO engineers. The idea was pretty straightforward: build rockets that could help launch small satellites into space. But it’s easier said than done, right? But actually building a rocket is a completely different story.
They have spent years working on their technology before putting their first rocket, Vikram-S, to the test. That 2022 launch put the company on the map. And it didn’t stop there. The bigger question was: could Skyroot take the next step and actually put a rocket into orbit? That’s where Vikram-1 changed the story.
What Is Skyroot Aerospace and How Did It Begin?
It’s easy to look at Skyroot Aerospace today and feel like it was always meant to become a rocket company. It has two former ISRO scientists as its founders, corporate backing, government grants and whatnot. However, this wasn’t the case, not even in the slightest. When the founders started Skyroot Aerospace in 2018, based in Hyderabad, things were very different at that time because the idea of a private Indian Startup building rockets was still pretty new.
The company got an even bigger opportunity in 2020, when India opened up its space sector to private companies. But here, the thing that makes Skyroot’s story more interesting is that they weren’t trying to build just another tech startup, but something harder and bigger: building a rocket that actually had to fly into space.
Vikram-S: The Mission That Put Skyroot on India’s Space Map
Do you remember November 18, 2022, when Skyroot launched its first Vikram-S, and it was the historic moment for all private space companies. Whenever India launches a rocket, whether it’s by ISRO or a private space company like Skyroot Aerospace, we can’t help but feel proud. It makes us realise that India is moving forward and making its mark in space.
But have you ever wondered about the number of brilliant minds- engineers, scientists and teams who work tirelessly behind every launch, every move to make India stand out and make us proud to be Indian?
That’s precisely what Skyroot Aerospace did after its inception in 2018. The team worked on numerous challenges like developing strong, reliable, yet economical rockets, and looking for ways to make them sturdier and more efficient. They tested various concepts such as 3D-printed parts, carbon-composite construction, and modular design while also developing their own engines and thrust technology.
There were no big launch moments at the start. It was mostly engineers testing things, finding problems, making changes and trying again. Step by step, all that hard work brought them to Vikram-S. It was the rocket that finally gave Skyroot a chance to show that a private Indian startup could build its own rocket and send it into space.
Vikram-1: Skyroot Aerospace’s Leap Into Orbital Launches
Vikram-S had already given Skyroot its first big win. But there was still a much bigger challenge ahead. Vikram-S was a suborbital mission, which meant it didn’t actually reach orbit. Skyroot now had to prove that it could take a rocket all the way into space and put it into orbit.
That’s where Vikram-1 came in.
On 18 July 2026, every Indian had a reason to feel proud as Skyroot launched Vikram-1 on its first orbital mission, called Mission Aagaman, from Sriharikota. This time, the goal was much bigger. The rocket had to reach orbit and successfully release its payload.
And it did.
For Skyroot, it was a huge moment. It also marked an important step for India’s growing private space industry. In just a few years, Skyroot had gone from testing rocket technology to successfully sending one into orbit. That’s quite a leap for a young space company.
The Technology Behind Skyroot Aerospace Rockets
Building a rocket isn’t just about making something that can fly. The real work is making sure the engine, body, and every small part work together perfectly at the right time.
That’s exactly what Skyroot has been working on with its own rocket engines. Its Kalam-series engines, such as Kalam-100, Kalam-250, and Kalam-1200, are made for different stages of its Vikram rockets. The company has also developed Raman-I, a thruster designed to help control and move a spacecraft in orbit. Along with this, Skyroot is working on its Dhawan-series cryogenic engines for future rockets.
But what really makes Skyroot’s approach interesting is how it builds these rockets. The company uses 3D printing and advanced composite materials to make parts faster and make the whole manufacturing process more flexible.
Funding, Growth and Skyroot Aerospace’s Rise
A few years ago, Skyroot was still working hard to prove that a private Indian company could build and launch rockets. Today, investors see much more potential in the company.
Skyroot has raised significant funding from investors including Singapore’s Temasek, which led a funding round in 2023, placing it among India’s best-funded private space companies. The company’s growth also came as India started opening its space sector to private companies. By 2026, Skyroot was reported to have crossed a $1.1 billion valuation, becoming India’s first space-tech unicorn. That’s a huge step for a company that started by simply trying to build its own rockets from the ground up.
From a Startup to a Space Launch Company: Skyroot’s Journey Ahead
Skyroot has already come a long way since it first started. Back in 2018, it was a new company with a big goal: to build rockets in India. Then, in 2022, came Vikram-S, which proved that its rocket technology could actually work and fly. With Vikram-1’s orbital mission in 2026, Skyroot took another big step forward.
But the journey isn’t over yet. The company is now working towards Vikram-2 and has bigger plans for the commercial space launch market. And it’s not just Skyroot. Companies like Starlink, backed by Elon Musk, are also expanding their presence in India.
All of this shows how India is becoming an important part of the global space industry. From homegrown rocket companies to global space giants, more and more players are looking at India. And slowly but surely, India is making its place on the world’s space map.
The rocket may have reached orbit, but for Skyroot, the real journey is just getting started.
FAQ:
1.Can I Invest in Skyroot?
No, the general public can’t buy Skyroot Aerospace stock through standard retail brokerages because the company is privately held.
2.How Much does Skyroot Pay?
Salaries at Skyroot Aerospace typically range from ₹4 Lakhs to ₹25+ Lakhs per year for mid-level technical roles, while senior management and specialised positions can earn between ₹60 Lakhs and ₹80+ Lakhs annually.
3.What is the Turnover of Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd?
Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited reported an operating revenue (turnover) of around ₹100.6 crore (approximately $12 million) for the financial year 2025–2026 (FY26).
