India’s space sector has entered a new era with the unveiling of Vikram-I, a groundbreaking private orbital rocket created by Skyroot Aerospace. The development marks a major milestone for the country’s fast-growing space economy, signalling a shift from government-driven missions to a thriving ecosystem powered by startups and innovation. The excitement surrounding Vikram-I reflects a new confidence in India's capability to compete globally in small satellite launches.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Skyroot’s massive Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, the spotlight fell on the next generation of Indian space technology. The facility represents a leap toward industrial-scale production, offering end-to-end capability for rocket development, assembly, and testing. For young engineers and entrepreneurs, this evolution opens doors to new opportunities in launch services, satellite manufacturing, data analytics, and space-based solutions.
The Vikram series, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai—the visionary father of India’s space program—has been designed to capture a significant share of the rapidly growing small satellite launch market. Around the world, demand for compact, agile launch vehicles is rising, as startups, research agencies, and private networks race to deploy constellations and miniaturized payloads. Vikram-I aims to position India as a competitive alternative in this global race.
India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket
Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a historic breakthrough by developing Vikram-I, the nation’s first privately built orbital-class rocket capable of placing satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This achievement is the culmination of years of research, engineering expertise, and policy reforms that liberalized the Indian space sector in 2023. The rocket draws attention not only for its technical strength but also for its symbolic value in demonstrating India’s growing private-sector space capability.
The newly inaugurated Infinity Campus, spanning 200,000 square feet, has been designed to support full-cycle activities—from design and prototyping to integration and launch readiness. Its advanced infrastructure allows Skyroot to produce up to one orbital rocket every month, a scale that was previously unimaginable for India’s private sector. With this setup, Skyroot aims to address rising global demand, reduce turnaround time, and offer affordable launch solutions.
During the virtual address at the launch event, PM Modi highlighted the country’s legacy in space achievements. He emphasized how ISRO’s decades of excellence built a foundation of trust, technical capability, and global respect. He noted that young innovators are taking that foundation forward, embracing risk, technology, and entrepreneurship to make India a future-ready space superpower.
What Makes Vikram-I Special?
Vikram-I is engineered to deliver payloads of up to 300 kg to Low Earth Orbit—making it ideal for small satellite deployments. The rocket’s all-carbon-fiber body gives it an advantage in weight reduction, structural strength, and fuel efficiency. Its multi-stage architecture is optimized for high performance and reliability, matching global standards in the commercial launch market.
A unique aspect of Vikram-I is its ability to deploy multiple satellites in a single mission. This capability is particularly valuable at a time when Earth observation, communication, climate monitoring, and academic research are increasingly dependent on constellations of small satellites. By offering multi-satellite launch capability, India steps into a competitive league alongside established global players.
Another impressive feature is Skyroot’s claim that Vikram-I can be assembled and prepared for launch within just 24 hours from any site. Such rapid deployability has significant implications for time-sensitive missions, including emergency communication, disaster monitoring, and commercial payload requirements.
The Vikram Rocket Series and Its Global Vision
The Vikram rocket family aims to serve not only Indian customers but also international players seeking reliable, cost-effective launch services. Named in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the rockets are built with scalability, multi-orbit insertion, and even future interplanetary capabilities in mind. This design philosophy aligns with India’s ambition to play a bigger role in global space logistics and exploration.
Skyroot’s earlier achievement—launching Vikram-S in 2022 as India’s first private sub-orbital rocket—was a major validation of its engineering capabilities. Vikram-I builds on that legacy, transforming the startup into a key contender in the booming global launch market.
Industry projections estimate the small satellite segment to grow into a $77 billion opportunity by 2030. With its rapid turnarounds, advanced materials, and modular architecture, Vikram-I positions India to secure a meaningful share of this market. The series will eventually include rockets with varying capabilities to address a wide spectrum of mission needs.
Skyroot’s Growth and India’s Evolving Space Ecosystem
Skyroot Aerospace was founded by former ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, whose experience and vision have been instrumental in pushing India’s private space sector forward. Their mission has attracted global interest and major investments. To date, Skyroot has raised more than $95 million from venture capital firms and strategic partners.
Collaborations with international organizations—such as Axiom Space—further highlight the growing trust in India’s private launch providers. These partnerships aim to expand access to low-Earth orbit and support emerging projects in space research, commercial payload deployment, and new space-based services.
India’s policy reforms have also played a crucial role. By opening up the sector, encouraging startup participation, simplifying regulations, and providing access to ISRO’s facilities, the government has created an ecosystem that fosters innovation. The ripple effects are visible in the rise of new startups across satellite production, launch systems, analytics, and space-tech services.
A New Chapter in India’s Space Future
The unveiling of Vikram-I represents more than just a technological achievement—it marks a turning point for India’s space landscape. With private companies stepping up and taking on complex missions, the nation’s capabilities are expanding at an unprecedented pace. The Infinity Campus stands as a symbol of this transition, showing how far the country has come and how much potential lies ahead.
Vikram-I’s success will not only strengthen India’s role in the global satellite launch market but also inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and visionaries. As India moves deeper into the era of commercial and privatized space exploration, the rocket serves as a beacon of innovation, ambition, and national pride.
With expanded infrastructure, breakthrough technology, and a supportive ecosystem, Skyroot and the Vikram series are poised to reshape the future of space launch services—not just for India, but for the world. The journey ahead promises new discoveries, stronger capabilities, and a bigger share of the global space economy.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
