In brief
In a landmark test flight, Skyroot Aerospace's seven‑story Vikram‑1 rocket blasted off from Sriharikota, reaching low Earth orbit with a payload of six satellites, including a diamond lotus tribute. The launch illustrates India’s growing private space sector and its ambition to offer on‑demand orbital access. CEO Pawan Chandana called the company a "cab service to space", aiming to deliver bespoke missions for small payloads much like booking an Uber. The success positions Skyroot as the country’s only private space‑tech unicorn and sets the stage for commercial launches next year.
What if launching a satellite was as easy as calling a cab?
Skyroot Aerospace, India’s first private space‑tech unicorn, made history with its Vikram‑1 orbital launch from the ISRO launch pad in Sriharikota. The seven‑story rocket carried six payloads—scientific instruments and a symbolically crafted diamond lotus tribute—into low Earth orbit after a 16‑minute flight.
In a tweet, the company said “Vikram‑1 Test Flight‑1 has reached orbit… History is made.” The success moves Skyroot closer to its goal of offering a “cab service to space”, where customers can book a dedicated launch to a specific orbit, a concept reminiscent of Uber‑style on‑demand transport.
“If you want to go to a friend’s house you don’t need a train; you book a cab,” CEO Pawan Chandana explained. The rocket will carry payloads up to 350 kg and could dramatically cut the wait times that satellite operators often face.
Skyroot’s model is similar to Rocket‑Lab’s small‑lift vehicles, but with a distinct emphasis on India’s burgeoning private space industry. The company plans two more test flights this year and aims for commercial launches next year.
India’s ambitious space agenda—manned missions, Venus orbiter, and a future space station—could be supported by Skyroot’s services. With 400+ space start‑ups in the country, Skyroot remains the most successful, holding its unicorn status.
