Skyroot: India's rising private space sector.

The launch of Skyroot - the largest funded private space startup in India!

?India opened gates for private players in the Aerospace sector in 2020 under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. Two years after that, Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. became the first ever Indian private company to launch its own rocket last week.

?Pavan Chandana and Bharath Daka, former ISRO scientists, and IIT graduates, started Skyroot Aerospace in 2018 with a mission of launching their own dreams into space.

?The Indian Space Research Organisation launched Vikram-S, last Friday from its launchpad in Shriharikota. The rocket is named after Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian Space program. The mission is named as 'Prarambh'. It is said to be the rise of the private sector in the space race ending ISRO's dominance.

?Skyroot Aerospace is the largest funded private space startup in India. Skyroot wants to make the space sector open for all. In 2022 September, it raised $51 million through series B financing. It had previously raised $11 million through series A capital raise in July 2021.

?Skyroot has successfully built cryogenic, hypergolic-liquid, also solid fuel based rocket engines through advanced composites and 3 D printing technology, something which is done first time in Indian private sector.

?It has backing of GIC of Singapore, Greenko, Myntra and Cult fit and Solar Industries. It was the first startup to sign memo of understanding with ISRO.

?Skyroot has brought down the launch cost by 50%, as compared to the global racers. It was possible because of its strong India ecosystem connect, innovative and digital manufacturing processes and optimal material usage.

?Vikram-S took about two years to complete. Advanced technologies like carbon composites structure and 3D printed components. It will be powered by India's first carbon fiber built solid fuel engine. IN-SPACE, India's space regulator gave clearance for the launch on 18th November.

?Skyroot's Vikram-S was estimated to go up to an altitude of 81 km and splash down in less than 5 minutes.

?Vikram-S is a scaled down verson of Vikram 1. The former one was a single stage rocker whereas the latter one is a multi stage launch vehicle.

?Skyroot is planning to have three variants of the rocket. Vikram-I, it will have a payload of 480 kg to 500 km Low Inclination Orbit (LIO). Second one will have 290 kg to 500 km Sun Synchronous and Polar orbit (SSPO).

?Vikram-II, it will have a payload of 595 kg to 500 km LIO. 400 kg to 500 km SSPO.

Vikram-III, it will have a payload of 815 kg to 500 km LIO, and 560 kg to 500 km SSPO.

?Vikram-I will fly during the third quarter of calender year 2023.