TakeMe2Space's PowerBank‑50 Becomes Ist Space‑Proven Satellite Battery on Skyroot’s Vikram‑1

• Aboard Skyroot’s Historic Vikram-1, TakeMe2Space’s PowerBank-50 Becomes the First Made in India, Off the Shelf Satellite Battery to Earn Flight Heritage on a Private Indian Orbital Launch

The indigenously built, commercially available 50 Wh battery pack powered Cosmoserve Space’s experimental payload at a 450 km orbit aboard Skyroot’s Vikram-1 ‘Aagaman’, the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit. With this flight, PowerBank-50 graduates from a tested product to a flight proven one, a distinction that defines the global satellite components market.

Hyderabad, India, 30 July 2026: TakeMe2Space today announced that its PowerBank-50 satellite battery pack is officially space proven, having successfully completed its first mission aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 on its maiden flight, Mission ‘Aagaman’, launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 18 July 2026.

The mission itself was a landmark for the nation. Vikram-1 became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit, making India only the third country in the world, after the United States and China, where a private company has achieved orbital launch capability. Riding on that historic flight, a single PowerBank-50 unit powered Cosmoserve Space’s experimental payload on the launch vehicle’s Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM) at an altitude of 450 km, performing exactly as designed through the violence of launch and the vacuum, radiation and temperature swings of space.

“Every satellite mission lives or dies by its power system, which is why nobody wants to be the first to fly a new battery. We are grateful that Cosmoserve trusted PowerBank-50 on a mission of this significance. Flying on the first private Indian rocket to reach orbit, and performing flawlessly at 450 km, is the strongest validation a product can earn. PowerBank-50 is now space proven, made in India, and ready for every satellite builder in the world,” said Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder and CEO, TakeMe2Space.

Why “space proven” is the credential that matters

In the satellite industry, flight heritage is the hardest credential to earn and the first question every buyer asks. Satellite builders, launch providers and insurers are deeply reluctant to fly components that have never flown, because a single subsystem failure can end a multi crore mission. This creates a well known barrier for new suppliers: you cannot get heritage without flying, and you cannot fly without heritage. PowerBank-50 has now broken through that barrier.

The bar is highest of all for batteries. Batteries are among the most safety scrutinised components on any rocket, since they must survive intense launch vibration and shock, then operate reliably in vacuum through extreme hot and cold cycles every orbit. On this mission, PowerBank-50 validated its entire chain in the real environment: its high energy density lithium ion cells, its intelligent battery management system, its cell heaters and its aluminium flight enclosure. The product has moved from qualified on the ground to proven in orbit, the highest level of technology readiness.

For India’s fast growing small satellite ecosystem, this milestone means builders no longer need to depend on imported, long lead time battery packs to de-risk their missions. A flight proven power system is now designed, built and available off the shelf in India.

What this means for everyday life

Satellites quietly run much of daily life. The weather forecast before a farmer sows a crop, the maps that guide a delivery rider, cyclone warnings on the coast, television broadcasts and crop and water surveys all depend on satellites working around the clock. And every satellite has the same weakness: for a large part of every orbit it passes through Earth’s shadow, where its solar panels go dark. In those minutes, the battery alone keeps the satellite alive. If the battery fails, the satellite dies.

Until now, Indian satellite builders mostly had to import this critical component at high cost and long waiting times. A proven, affordable battery made in India lowers the cost of building satellites, which means more Indian startups, universities and students can put satellites in orbit. More satellites mean better forecasts, sharper disaster warnings, smarter farming and wider connectivity, built in India, for India and the world.

What is new about PowerBank-50

PowerBank-50 packs more than 50 Wh of energy storage into a unit the size of a paperback and the weight of a smartphone, at 380 grams. It uses cells with among the highest energy density available for small satellites, carries its own onboard intelligence that manages, balances and reports the health of the battery to operators on the ground, and keeps itself warm through the extreme cold of orbit. Packs can be stacked to power anything from a CubeSat to a microsatellite, with a mission life of up to 5 years in low Earth orbit.

Most importantly, it is available off the shelf today at ₹1,04,900, a fraction of the cost of comparable imported packs, so any satellite builder can now buy a flight proven, made in India power system without long import lead times. Full technical specifications are available on the product page.

About TakeMe2Space

TakeMe2Space is building next-generation orbital infrastructure focused on in-space computing,

data processing, and orbital data centers. Through its MOI constellation and space-based

computing platforms, the company is developing technologies that enable data to be processed,

analyzed, and distributed directly in orbit.

Media Contact:

Srishti Vatsa +91 98670 44794 srishti@moatglobal.com

Priya M +91 6363620273 priya@moatglobal.com

India Now the World’s 3rd Nation With Private Orbital Launch Capability

Image via ~ Skyroot@X

India has officially become the world’s third nation—after the U.S. and China—with private orbital launch capability, thanks to Skyroot Aerospace’s successful Vikram‑1 mission. This milestone not only elevates India’s private space sector but also positions it strongly in the booming global small‑satellite launch market.

A country with private rocket launch capability can fundamentally alter its trajectory in space, economics, and geopolitics. Economically, it enables the nation to participate in the commercial satellite launch market, attracting global contracts and fostering a thriving space startup ecosystem. This drives investment, creates high‑skill jobs, and strengthens domestic manufacturing chains.

The first private orbital launch in the United States came in 2008 when SpaceX successfully flew its Falcon 1 rocket into orbit. This was the first time a privately developed, liquid‑fueled rocket reached Earth orbit, proving that commercial firms could compete with national space agencies.

China followed in 2019 when iSpace launched its Hyperbola‑1 rocket, becoming the country’s first private company to place satellites into orbit. That success validated China’s emerging private space sector and encouraged rivals like LandSpace and Galactic Energy to accelerate their own programs.

Together, these milestones marked the beginning of a new era where private companies in both nations became central players in the global launch market, paving the way for India’s entry with Skyroot Aerospace in 2026.

Geopolitically, private launchers provide strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on foreign providers, allowing faster deployment of defense satellites and enhancing national security. They also increase a nation’s influence in space geopolitics, positioning it as a partner in international collaborations rather than a dependent participant.

Technologically, private firms often pioneer innovations such as reusable rockets and advanced propulsion systems. This accelerates space innovation and produces technology spinoffs that benefit industries beyond aerospace, from energy to healthcare.

Finally, in terms of market positioning, countries with private launch capability can offer affordable space access, making them attractive to small satellite operators worldwide. This secures a share in the rapidly expanding space economy and ensures long‑term competitiveness against established players like the U.S. and China.

In essence, private launch capability transforms a nation from being a space participant into a space enabler, driving growth, innovation, and global influence simultaneously.

India’s Breakthrough: Vikram‑1 and Skyroot Aerospace

• Founded in 2018 by ex‑ISRO engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace became India’s first space tech unicorn.
• Investors: Sherpalo Ventures, GIC, BlackRock funds, Playbook Partners, Arkam Ventures, and Greenko Group founders. Ram Shriram (Sherpalo, Alphabet board member) also joined Skyroot’s board.
• Government support: Enabled by the Indian Space Policy 2023 and IN‑SPACe reforms, leveraging ISRO’s infrastructure.
• Vikram‑1 Rocket: 22‑metre, four‑stage launch vehicle with carbon composites and 3D‑printed engines, capable of carrying 350 kg payloads to 450 km LEO.
• Mission Aagaman (July 18, 2026): Successfully deployed multiple payloads, including commercial and symbolic ones.

Global Private Orbital Launch Landscape

Country	Key Companies	Milestones
United States	SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace	SpaceX reached orbit in 2008; Rocket Lab in 2018; Firefly in 2021
China	iSpace, LandSpace	iSpace reached orbit in 2019; LandSpace succeeded in 2023 with methane‑fueled Zhuque‑2
Japan	Interstellar Technologies	Suborbital MOMO flights; orbital attempts ongoing
South Korea	Innospace	Suborbital launches; orbital rockets in development
India	Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos	Vikram‑1 orbital success (2026); Agnibaan in testing

Global Rocket Launch Market & Predictions

• Market Size: Global space economy projected to grow from $8 billion (India’s current share) to $44 billion by 2033.
• Trends: Rising demand for Earth observation, communication constellations, and defense satellites.
• Reusable rockets: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Bellatrix in India are reducing costs.
• Government backing: Worldwide support for domestic startups to secure independent access to space.
• India’s Advantage: Lower manufacturing costs, ISRO’s infrastructure, and private innovation give India a competitive edge.

Strategic Implications

• Commercial: Opens India’s private sector to global satellite contracts.
• Geopolitical: Strengthens India’s position in Asia’s space race, balancing China’s advances.
• Innovation: Demonstrates India’s ability to achieve orbital success on first attempt, unlike SpaceX’s early failures.

Grahaa Space Successfully Deploys SOLARAS Aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Mission

Grahaa Space, a spacetech company focused on developing Earth observation nanosatellites and geospatial intelligence solutions, today announced the successful deployment of SOLARAS, its technology demonstration nanosatellite, aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The achievement marks a major milestone for the company, taking Grahaa Space one step closer to enabling faster, modular and cost-effective access to space.

The mission, named SIDDHI, marks an important milestone in Grahaa Space's journey to build indigenous, stackable nanosatellite platforms that can be customized for various low earth orbit (LEO) missions. Designed and developed in India, SOLARAS has been built to validate Grahaa Space's stackable nanosatellite bus and platform, communication systems and hosted payload architecture. The mission represents the company's first in-orbit technology demonstration and lays the foundation for future Earth observation, commercial, scientific and institutional satellite missions.

The mission also carries VISWA-M, an academic research payload developed by VIT-AP University, Amaravati, showcasing the flexibility of Grahaa Space's hosted payload architecture in supporting academic, research and technology demonstration missions.

The company's long-term vision is to stream near-real-time geospatial video data that can be used for various on-ground missions.

Ramesh Kumar V, Co-founder & CEO, Grahaa Space, said: "Today is a defining moment for Grahaa Space. Watching SOLARAS successfully reach orbit is the culmination of years of engineering, perseverance and a shared vision of building world-class space technologies in India. This mission validates our indigenous nanosatellite platform and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company. We are grateful to Skyroot Aerospace for enabling this landmark mission and to our partners for their trust and collaboration. The success of SOLARAS strengthens our commitment to building scalable satellite platforms that make access to space faster, more affordable and more accessible for governments, enterprises, research institutions and the broader space ecosystem."

Following deployment, SOLARAS will undergo commissioning and in-orbit evaluation, during which Grahaa Space will assess the performance of its satellite platform and onboard systems. Insights from the mission will support the company's future missions.

With SOLARAS now in orbit, Grahaa Space continues to advance its vision of enabling faster, flexible and application-led satellite missions while strengthening India's growing private space ecosystem through indigenous satellite technologies.

India’s Skyroot Rockets Into History: Vikram‑1 Becomes Asia’s New Orbital Power

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 Test Flight‑1 has successfully reached orbit, marking India’s first privately developed orbital rocket launch. This achievement positions India as the third country globally with private orbital launch capability, alongside the U.S. and China.

Vikram‑1 Test Flight‑1 has soared into orbit, completing its final burn and deploying payloads into a ~450 km trajectory — a landmark that makes India the world’s third nation with private orbital launch capability.

India now joins the U.S. and China as the only countries where private companies have independently reached orbit.

China’s iSpace and LandSpace reached orbit earlier, but India’s first‑attempt success with Vikram‑1 is a powerful statement of reliability. Japan’s Interstellar Technologies has achieved suborbital flights but not yet orbital success, leaving India ahead in private orbital capability. South Korea’s Innospace is still in the suborbital phase, making India the clear leader among emerging Asian private space players.

On this historic milestone, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi through a social media post said – "Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1.

This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation.

This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly."

Skyroot' successful launch positions India to grow its space economy from $8B to $44B by 2033, with private launches as a cornerstone.
India is now the first Asian nation outside China to achieve private orbital launch success. Moreover, the achi further strengthens India’s role in the Asian space race, countering China’s rapid advances.

Background: From Vikram‑S to Vikram‑1

• Vikram‑S: Launched in November 2022 under Mission Prarambh, India’s first private suborbital rocket.
• Vikram‑1: Four‑stage carbon‑composite rocket with three solid‑fuel stages and a restartable liquid orbital adjustment module powered by a 3D‑printed engine. Payload capacity: up to 350 kg into 450 km LEO.
• Mission Aagaman: Launched July 18, 2026, from Sriharikota, carrying payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, Skyroot’s SCOPE, and symbolic art payloads like Cosmic Bloom.

India’s Private Space Milestone

• Policy Reforms: Enabled by the Indian Space Policy 2023 and IN‑SPACe, opening the sector to private players.
• Economic Push: India aims to expand its space economy from $8 billion today to $44 billion by 2033.
• Global Standing: India now joins the U.S. and China as nations with private orbital launch capability.

Comparison: Asian Private Space Companies

Country	Key Companies	Milestones
India	Skyroot Aerospace	First private orbital launch (Vikram‑1, 2026)
China	iSpace, LandSpace	iSpace reached orbit in 2019; LandSpace succeeded in 2023 with methane‑fueled Zhuque‑2
Japan	Interstellar Technologies	Suborbital MOMO rocket flights; orbital attempts ongoing
South Korea	Innospace	Suborbital launches; developing orbital rockets
U.S.	SpaceX, Rocket Lab	SpaceX succeeded in 2008 after 3 failures; Rocket Lab reached orbit in 2018

Why Vikram‑1 Stands Out

• First‑Attempt Success: Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon‑1, which failed thrice before reaching orbit, Vikram‑1 succeeded on its maiden orbital attempt.
• Technological Edge: Lightweight composites, 3D‑printed engines, and modular design for rapid launches.
• Symbolic Payloads: Included a postcard from PM Modi inscribed “Vande Mataram,” highlighting national pride.

Strategic Implications

• Commercial: Opens India’s private sector to global satellite launch contracts.
• Geopolitical: Strengthens India’s position in Asia’s space race, balancing China’s rapid advances.
• Innovation: Demonstrates India’s ability to leapfrog challenges with first‑attempt orbital success.

India has vaulted into the top tier of global space innovators and established itself as Asia’s second private orbital power after China.

India's Ist Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot's Vikram-1, Eyes Historic Lift Off of Its First Test Flight Tomorrow

Skyroot Aerospace's maiden test flight of Vikram-1 will attempt to launch from the first launch pad at SDSC-SHAR on 18 July at 11:30 AM. This will be the first time an orbital-class rocket, fully designed and developed by a private player, will attempt to fly from Indian soil. Concerned authorities have issued the necessary airspace and maritime notices, formally designating the restricted zones along Vikram-1's ascent and impact corridor for launch day.

This mission is called Mission Aagaman, marking the arrival of India's private sector in the global launch business.

We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on ground. On 18 July, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in real flight environment for the first time. This is our first test flight, and we will be getting valuable data from it. This will be foundational to Skyroot's aspirations of establishing launch cadence. We are excited to see this through.
— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.

Vikram-1, will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece.

"The small satellite launch market is deeply constrained on the supply side. At the same time, the demand for services enabled by satellites in space will only continue to grow, and that is where Skyroot's opportunity lies. The clearance of Vikram-1 for flight following rigorous testing is a defining milestone in India's space journey. This first test flight marks the beginning of Skyroot's aspiration to open space for all,” added Pawan.

Mission Aagaman, meaning “the arrival”, marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil, on 18 November 2022.

What we are aiming to do on 18 July is bigger than a single launch. It represents the hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people, the contributions of over 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India. This test flight will show us how every technology we have developed over the years performs in real-world conditions. With the in-flight data gathered from this mission, we will return to the shop floor to learn, improve, and build further. This test flight is the first step towards creating a reliable, on-demand launch company for the world from India. — Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

All stages of Skyroot's Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked on the launch pad. Following which, the final integrated checks of the vehicle on the launch pad from Skyroot’s launch control centre have been completed along with the interface checks with all the telemetry ground stations and tracking radars.

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), its first test flight is targeting a 450 km orbit at 60° inclination.

India’s First Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot’s Vikram-1, to Launch Between July 12 and August 4

The mission is named Aagaman, Sanskrit for "Arrival". It marks the arrival of India's private orbital launch capability for the world. The primary objective of capturing critical flight data foundational to creating a high-cadence, on-demand launch capability for the fast-growing global space economy.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle Fully Stacked at First Launch Pad at SDSC-SHAR

Skyroot Aerospace today announced the opening of the launch window for the maiden test flight of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle — India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Test Flight-1 is targeted for no earlier than July 12, subject to the completion of assembly and testing operations at the launch site in SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, and weather, safety, and range clearance. The window extends till 4 August.

The single most important objective of Mission Aagaman is to capture the real in-flight performance data from every system on Vikram-1. We want to understand how the vehicle performs from lift-off through every phase of ascent. This data cannot be fully replicated through ground testing. It will help us validate our designs and inform subsequent vehicle development as we build a reliable, high-cadence commercial launch programme. The moment Vikram-1 lifts off, India's private space industry will cross a threshold it has never crossed before.

— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.

Mission Aagaman, meaning “the arrival”, marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil, on 18 November 2022.

This will be partially commercial flight, with the company planning to commence full commercial flights after one or two successful demonstrations to orbit. Joining the test flight is a mix of domestic and international customers.

From a dream to build a launch vehicle in India to now attempting an orbital flight has been a journey like no other. With Vikram-S in 2022, we validated the foundation of our technology stack; With Vikram-1, we take our biggest step, yet toward a reliable, high-cadence launch programme built in India, for India and the world. This mission is designed as both a technology demonstration and a learning mission. This has been made possible by the collective confidence of the Government of India, IN-SPACe, ISRO, our investors, our customers and a dedicated team of 1000+ individuals.

— Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

All stages of Skyroot's Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked at the launch pad.

The mission will gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall vehicle performance, supporting the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company.

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Vikram-1's maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination. The flight-ready rocket was unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2025 during the inauguration of Skyroot’s Infinity campus.

For India, the ability to reach orbit reliably and frequently is a strategic capability that only a handful of nations possess. Today, access to space remains a major bottleneck, with satellite operators often waiting months or even years for a launch opportunity. Backed by IN-SPACe's efforts to open India's space sector and ISRO's technical infrastructure, Skyroot's Cab to Space model aims to provide dedicated and precise access to orbit.

Satellites support services that millions rely on every day, from agriculture and fisheries to disaster management, communications, connectivity, navigation and national security. Frequent and affordable access to orbit is what enables these capabilities to be built and scaled within India.

The economic opportunity is equally significant. India's space economy is expected to grow from around USD 8.4 billion today to USD 44 billion by 2033. Indigenous launch capability will be a critical enabler of this growth, unlocking opportunities for India's rapidly expanding private space ecosystem. The emergence of companies such as Skyroot, India's first spacetech unicorn, signals both the scale of investor confidence in the sector and the growing maturity of the country's commercial space ambitions.

About Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot Aerospace is a private space launch company, building the Vikram-series of launch vehicles to provide on-demand and dedicated access to space for small satellite operators worldwide.

Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the company aims to democratize space access by designing, developing and launching a family of launch vehicles.

Skyroot made history in 2022 with the launch of Vikram-S, India's first privately built rocket to reach space. The company is now preparing for the maiden flight of Vikram-1, its orbital launch vehicle, which will mark India's first private attempt at an orbital mission.

Vikram-1 is designed to deploy small satellites of up to 350 kg to Low Earth orbit. Built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed solid and liquid propulsion systems — including 3D-printed engines — the rocket is engineered for rapid manufacturing and high launch cadence. Skyroot's technology stack spans carbon composite rocket structure, and solid (Kalam series), liquid (Raman series), and cryogenic (Dhawan series) propulsion systems, all developed in-house at its 250,000 sq. ft. Max-Q and Infinity campuses in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Valued at over USD 1.1 billion, Skyroot is backed by marquee global investors including GIC, Temasek, Sherpalo Ventures, and funds managed by Blackrock. Its mission: to make spaceflight as regular, reliable, and affordable as air travel — Opening Space for All.

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, has officially flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 — India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The ceremony at Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad marks a turning point in India’s space journey, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy.

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 is a three‑stage, carbon‑composite orbital launch vehicle designed to carry up to 350 kg of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It features 3D‑printed engines, solid and liquid propulsion stages, and is India’s first privately developed rocket headed for an orbital mission, with launch targeted for June 2026.

This marks a historic milestone in India’s space sector, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy. Vikram‑1 is designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, offering cost‑effective and flexible launch options for global and domestic customers.

From India for the world! 🚀

Honoured to have the Hon. Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri. @revanth_anumula flag-off Vikram-1 to the spaceport today.

The journey now enters its most defining phase—kickstarting the integration and launch campaign of India’s first private orbital… https://t.co/Y5YqNNsa8x pic.twitter.com/iCAok6LWTC

— Pawan (@PawanKChandana) April 25, 2026

What Makes Vikram‑1 Special

• Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 350 kg of satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Design: A three‑stage rocket built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture.
• Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
• Launch Site: Final integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Launch Window: Targeted for June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.

Why This Milestone Matters

• Private Breakthrough: Skyroot becomes the first Indian private company to build and launch an orbital rocket.
• Policy Impact: Reflects India’s new space reforms encouraging private sector innovation under IN‑SPACe and ISRO oversight.
• Global Signal: Positions India as a competitive hub for small satellite launches, a market dominated by Rocket Lab and SpaceX.
• Local Boost: Telangana’s support highlights its ambition to be a space‑tech hub, creating jobs and fostering innovation.

Vikram‑1 vs ISRO’s PSLV

Feature	Vikram‑1 (Skyroot)	PSLV (ISRO)
Payload to LEO	350 kg	~1,750 kg
Structure	Carbon composite	Metal alloys
Engines	Solid + liquid, 3D‑printed	Solid + liquid conventional
Operator	Private (Skyroot)	Government (ISRO)
Target Market	Small satellites	Medium‑sized satellites

Key Technical Details of Vikram‑1

• Type: Multi‑stage orbital launch vehicle.
• Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (160–2,000 km altitude).
• Structure: Built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture compared to traditional metal rockets.
• Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
• Fairing: Space‑ready payload fairing protects satellites during ascent.
• Integration Site: Final assembly and integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Launch Timeline

• Flag‑off Date: April 25, 2026, from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad.
• Destination: Hardware dispatched to Sriharikota spaceport.
• Launch Window: June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.

Challenges Ahead

• Reliability: First‑time orbital launches carry high risk.
• Competition: Global players already dominate the small satellite launch market.
• Regulation: Must meet stringent safety standards set by ISRO and IN‑SPACe.

The Bigger Picture

Vikram‑1 is more than just a rocket — it’s a symbol of India’s private spaceflight era. With cost‑effective technology, government backing, and global ambitions, Skyroot Aerospace is positioning India as a serious contender in the commercial satellite launch market.

Beyond Skyroot’s Vikram‑1, India’s private space sector is rapidly expanding with several other rockets in development — including Agnikul’s Agnibaan, Bellatrix’s Chetak, and a privately manufactured PSLV variant — all aiming to capture the booming small satellitelaunch market.

Space Travel at a cost of air ticket travel is not too far away: Skyroot Co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana

Space Travel at a cost of air ticket travel is not too far away: Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder, Skyroot Aerospace--the Hyderabad start-up behind India's first privately designed and built rocket that was launched recently

Hyderabad is India’s Rocket City, says Pawan Chandana, at FLO session

Indian tourists travelling into space is not far away and will become reality in the next 10 years

Telugu states' contribution to Indian space technology is immense

Hyderabad is the rocket city. Most of the recently launched India’s first private rocket was entirely built in Hyderabad. The supply chain is very critical. Hyderabad is the best city in India for the supply chain for building rockets. It is also the best in the world said Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace--the Hyderabad start-up behind India's first privately designed and built rocket that was launched recently.

Talking to FICCI Ladies Organisation(FLO) Members at Hotel Radisson Blu in Banjara Hills on “THE METTLE AND THE MANTLE” Indian Business Growth Trajectories, he said only a few countries in the world have the capabilities of building satellites on their own. India is far ahead in space technology. And Hyderabad is becoming a hub.

The talk was organised by FLO Hyderabad. Welcoming the gatherings Shubhraa Maheshwari, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad said ‘be a solution to the problem, nobody can stop being a unicorn’.

150 FLO members attended the session. 

Alok Bansal seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate the session The Mattle & The Mantle--The Indian Business Growth Trajectories

Shubhraa Maheshwari, Alok Bansal, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Pavan Guntupalli

Pawan Kumar Chandana participated and spoke along with two other startup co-founders—Alok Bansal Co-founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Policy Bazaar---a one-stop destination online for all types of insurance products and Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido--India's first and fastest-growing Bike taxi app with a whopping 25 Million+ app downloads.

Space technology is exciting. Only 10% of the universe is covered by mobile technology. The rest of the 90% is space. It is very challenging and exciting. We would like to focus on building smaller satellites of less than 500 kg, he shared

Around 100 to 150 satellites are launched every year over the world and well over 1000 satellites are launched every year. In the next ten years, this number is likely to go up to 40, 000. So we will focus on how we can launch small satellites most cost-effectively.

Replying to a question whether they have any plans to take tourists into space he said that is already happening in the west. As far as India is concerned it might take about ten years. And we are not focusing much on that now. Our focus is on building smaller rockets. The future is not far away see Indian tourists going into space. The future is not far away to see the cost of travelling to space will come down as reasonable as an air ticket said Pawan

Speaking about their plans he said they are working on Vikrant 1. It will be a bigger one that will put satellites into orbit. We are planning to launch it next year, Pawan, the Indian Elon Musk in the making revealed.

Space will be democratized. Everyone can dream of going into space in future he said. Until now Rockets can take a maximum of ten people. But the research is on that an aircraft load of passengers is likely to go into space in future.

Earth is overpopulated. Now outer space is being explored for human habitation. Internet through satellite will become as common as the internet we are using in the next five years, Pawan informed.

Telugu states have contributed immensely to space technology. We have two promising space technology startups — Dhruva Space and Skyroot Aerosoacelocated in Hyderabad. We have ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota which is in the Telugu states. Hyderabad is the Rocket building aerospace hub, informed Pawan.

Women do a lot and can contribute more to space technology. This sector has less than 10% women Pawan said. He wants more Kalpana Chawlas in aerospace technology.

Alok Bansal, Co-founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Policy Bazaar---a one-stop destination online for all types of insurance products and Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido--India's first and fastest-growing Bike taxi app with a whopping 25 Million+ app downloads have shared their journey.

Most people were sceptical that women would not use Rapido, but it was proved wrong. 22 to 40% of users are women shared Pavan Guntupalli

Our journey was tough in the initial few years. But, we never looked back since 2014, shared Alok Bansal.

The FLO session was addressed by three Co-founder of three Indian promising companies that have disrupted their respective domains

IN-SPACe Facilitates Maiden Flight of India's 1st Privately Designed and Built Rocket, as Skyroot's Vikram S Rocket Takes Off From Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

The launch has been enabled by IN-SPACe, in coordination with ISRO

• The Vikram-S, sub-orbital rocket by Skyroot Aerospace was launched under their PRARAMBH mission
• VKS took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh carrying three customer payloads

India stands witness to history as the first-ever privately designed and built rocket from India took off today from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The historic launch is enabled by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), Department of Space (DOS), following their authorization of the maiden flight of a private Launch Vehicle by the Hyderabad based space start-up Skyroot Aerospace. This heralds a new age for the Indian space programme and etches a significant milestone in accordance with the policy reforms the Government of India is envisaging for the space sector.

The launch event was graced by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. He was accompanied by Dr. S. Somnath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary Department of Space (DoS); Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Department of Space ; Shri Talleen Kumar, Member Finance, Space Commission ; Dr. S. Somnath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary Department of Space (DoS); Shri A Rajarajan, Director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC SHAR; Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director VSSC ; Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical, IN-SPACe ;Dr. Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director, PMAD, IN-SPACe; Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director Promotion, IN-SPACe; Mr. Pawan Kumar Chandana and Mr. Naga Bharath Daka, Co-Founders of Skyroot Aerospace.

Skyroot launched its maiden rocket under the launch mission named ‘PRARAMBH’ meaning ‘the beginning’, signifying a new era for the private space sector in India and the first mission for Skyroot. The Prarambh mission was unveiled by ISRO Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath in Bangalore on November 7, 2022 following the technical launch clearance issued from IN-SPACe.

The rocket Vikram – S is a single-stage solid fuelled, sub-orbital rocket developed over two years by incorporating advanced technologies including carbon composite structures and 3D-printed components. Equipped with a gross lift off mass of 545kg, and payload mass of 80 kg, Vikram-S carried with it three customer payloads, which will map the measurement and validation of certain flight parameters and payload integration processes.

Standing witness to this historic flight, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said,

“Today is a historic day, which marks the beginning of a new dawn – a new ‘Prarambh’ in the journey of India’s Space sector. This success bears testimony to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for opening up the space sector for private stakeholders in June 2020 that has enabled unlocking of the immense potential of the Indian Space Sector. It is a major step forward by India to developing its Space ecosystem and to emerge as the leader in new space frontiers. This is indeed a turning point in India’s start up moment. My heartiest congratulations to Team Skyroot, ISRO and IN-SPACe for accomplishing this commendable feat in a reasonably short period of time.”

Dr. Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Department of Space, said, “India holds tremendous potential in space and has been an enabler of epoch-making space missions for decades. This maiden rocket launch for Skyroot Aerospace is perhaps the most important milestone for the Indian private space sector since the space reforms announced by Government of India and hints at the rapid transformative journey we’re witnessing in India’s space sector. Though one small step, it is a giant leap to demonstrate the capabilities of the Indian Space sector. Heartiest congratulations to all involved in the success of ‘Prarambh’ mission. A new space journey has begun.”

The lift off of VIKRAM-S from Sriharikota happened at 11.30 IST today. The ranging and tracking operations for VIKRAM-S were handled by SDSC SHAR facility at ISRO. Telemetry data was captured by ISTRAC station of ISRO and relayed to the control room.

The launch of the Skyroot VKS rocket has been possible with the seamless joint efforts of various ISRO centres including SDSC SHAR, ISTRAC and VSSC, Skyroot team and IN-SPACe. The Technical Mission Readiness review committee members from ISRO and IN-SPACe rigorously reviewed launch vehicle and integration preparation and gave final launch clearance.

Ecstatic with the maiden launch, the Skyroot founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka issued a joint statement, “We are very excited to share that we scripted history today by successfully launching India’s first privately developed rocket Vikram-S. This mission has been executed in record time only because of the invaluable support we received from IN-SPACe and ISRO, and the technology talent that we inherently possess. Our pathbreaking mission, ‘Prarambh’ is dedicated to the Indian Private sector, which has hugely benefitted from the reforms that were guided by the Govt of India and its vision’’

The Vikram-S rocket flight is a technology demonstration flight to showcase the capabilities of the company. The rocket will help validate the technologies that will be used in the subsequent Vikram-1 orbital vehicle of Skyroot that is planned for launch next year, subject to technical clearance by IN-SPACe.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe) has been operating as a single-window, autonomous nodal agency of Department of Space (DOS) to boost private space sector economy in India. It has given five authorizations to the Space NGEs for undertaking space activities in India, in six months and signed Sixteen MoUs. Till date, IN-SPACe has received more than 150 applications from Space NGEs for Authorization, Facilitation, and Promotion. In their continued efforts to give India’s space sector a new and dynamic dimension, IN-SPACe’s enabling of Skyroot’s launch vehicle initiates a new chapter in India’s space domain.