TheTechno Optimist.

Skyroot Aerospace—Skyroot's Vikram-1 reaches 450 km orbit on maiden flight, giving India private orbital launch capability

Skyroot Aerospace

Vikram-1 orbital rocket, Indian launch

IN$1.1B privateest. 2018skyroot.in (opens skyroot.in)Checked 11 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Co-founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka are former ISRO scientists.
  • Vikram-1 reached 450 km orbit on July 18, 2026; 95% of components were built in India.
  • A four-stage rocket carries 350 kg to LEO; a 550 kg variant is planned.

Technical approach

As reported
Stages

Four-stage design

Three solid-fuel stages for thrust, with a liquid-fueled fourth stage for precise orbital insertion and maneuvering.

Structure

Carbon-composite construction

All-carbon composite fuselage reduces mass and improves efficiency.

Rapid manufacturing

Built for iteration and cadence

Designed for quick manufacturing and high launch frequency to serve the growing smallsat market.

Primer