WOW STORY OF THE DAY: From Launchpad to Legend: How Skyroot Rocketed Out of a Garage and Into India’s Space History

Image Source: Reuters

Skyroot Aerospace, India’s first private space launch company, has rocketed into global headlines after its successful Vikram-S launch. Founded by ex-ISRO engineers, the startup is now backed by global investors and is building a full-stack space ecosystem — aiming to become India’s answer to SpaceX.

In a country where space exploration was once the sole domain of ISRO, Skyroot Aerospace has carved out a bold new trajectory. Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the Hyderabad-based startup became the first private Indian company to launch a rocket into space — the Vikram-S — in November 2022.

That historic suborbital launch wasn’t just a technical milestone; it was a signal flare for India’s private space sector. Since then, Skyroot has raised over $95 million in funding, attracted global investors like GIC, and is now preparing for orbital launches with its Vikram-I rocket.

Major Takeaways:

Historic First Launch: Skyroot’s Vikram-S became the first privately developed rocket to launch from Indian soil, marking a new era of commercial spaceflight in the country.

ISRO Roots, Startup Speed: The founders’ experience at ISRO gave them deep technical expertise, but it was their decision to leave and build independently that changed everything. Their goal: create a SpaceX-style private launch ecosystem for India.

Global Investor Backing: Skyroot has raised $95M+ from investors including GIC, Sherpalo Ventures, and Greenko Group, making it one of the best-funded space startups in Asia.

Full-Stack Space Ambitions: Beyond launch vehicles, Skyroot is developing spacecraft integration, ground systems, and satellite deployment services, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions for global clients.

Regulatory Tailwinds: The Indian government’s 2020 space policy reforms opened the door for private players, and Skyroot was the first to capitalize — securing launch permissions and ISRO support.

Next Up: Vikram-I Orbital Launch: The company is now preparing for its first orbital mission, expected in 2025, which will carry commercial payloads and cement its position in the global small satellite launch market.

Skyroot’s journey from a Hyderabad garage to the edge of space is more than a startup story — it’s a national milestone. With bold vision, technical grit, and global backing, they’re not just launching rockets — they’re launching India into the future of private spaceflight.

Sources: Skyroot Aerospace Official Site, TechCrunch, Economic Times

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