A promising Indian launch startup nears its first orbital test flight
Summary
India opened its space launch industry to private companies starting in 2020, allowing them to build rockets and use government facilities. Skyroot Aerospace, a private Indian launch startup, is close to launching its first orbital rocket called Vikram-1 and recently raised $60 million to expand its work.Key Facts
- In 2020, India allowed private companies to enter the space launch industry.
- Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 by former Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) engineers.
- Skyroot’s CEO is Pawan Kumar Chandana, an engineer inspired by SpaceX and Rocket Lab.
- The company chose solid rocket fuel for its first orbital rocket to reduce costs and development time.
- Skyroot named their rockets “Vikram” after Vikram Sarabhai, a founder of India’s space program.
- The company successfully launched a smaller suborbital rocket, Vikram-S, in 2022.
- Vikram-1 is larger and has three solid-fuel stages, preparing for its first orbital flight soon.
- Skyroot recently raised $60 million, valuing the company at $1.1 billion.
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