Vikram-I Rocket & India’s Private Space Ecosystem

  • 01 Dec 2025

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The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently inaugurated the Infinity Campus of Skyroot Aerospace and unveiled its first orbital-class launch vehicle, Vikram-I. This milestone highlights the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector following recent space sector reforms.

About Skyroot Aerospace

  • India’s leading private space startup.
  • Founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, former scientists of ISRO.
  • Became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket to space with the successful sub-orbital launch of Vikram-S (November 2022).

Vikram-I Rocket: Key Features

  • Type: India’s first private orbital-class launch vehicle.
  • Naming: Named after Vikram Sarabhai, father of India’s space programme.
  • Height: ~20 metres.
  • Stages: Four-stage rocket
    • Stages 1–3: Solid-fuelled
    • Stage 4: Hypergolic liquid stage (cluster of four Raman engines using MMH fuel and NTO oxidiser).
  • Thrust: ~1,200 kN.
  • Structure: All-carbon composite for high strength-to-weight efficiency.
  • Payload Capacity:
    • Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
    • Up to 260 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
    • Mission-specific capacities (e.g., ~290 kg to 500 km SSO; ~480 kg to 500 km LEO at 45° inclination).
  • Launch Readiness: Designed for rapid launches (within ~24 hours from any location).
  • Target Segment: Small satellite and multi-satellite launch missions.

Technological Innovations

  • 3D-printed rocket engines.
  • Advanced avionics with real-time guidance and navigation.
  • Ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems for satellite safety.
  • Hybrid propulsion architecture combining solid stages with a precise liquid upper stage.

Strategic & Economic Significance

  • Expected debut: Early 2026.
  • Supports India’s goal of a ~$77 billion space economy by 2030.
  • Reduces launch burden on ISRO and ensures indigenous, on-demand access to orbit.
  • Boosts downstream applications in defence, disaster management, environment monitoring, communication, and infrastructure.
  • Strengthens India’s position as a global hub for cost-effective small satellite launches.