PM Modi Unveils Vikram-I, India’s First Private Commercial Orbital Rocket, At Skyroot’s Infinity Campus
India’s private space sector received a major boost this week as the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace ’s newly built Infinity campus near Hyderabad. Alongside the launch of the sprawling facility, the government also unveiled Skyroot’s first commercial orbital rocket, Vikram-I, which is designed to place satellites into low Earth orbit. According to industry experts, the development marks an important milestone for India’s growing spacetech ecosystem and signals the country’s rising capability in private rocket manufacturing.
The virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister highlights the increasing national focus on encouraging private participation in the space industry. Analysts note that the government’s support will help domestic companies compete globally, particularly in the booming small satellite launch market.
Industry observers point out that the global demand for smaller, dedicated launches is rising as the satellite industry shifts towards compact, high-performance spacecraft. Vikram-I is designed specifically for this segment and positions Skyroot as a strong contender in an increasingly competitive global market.
Such investments will not only accelerate the company’s technological advancement but also contribute to India’s ambitions of expanding its private space sector. Experts believe that faster production cycles combined with competitive pricing could help India capture a larger share of the global satellite launch market.
In November 2022, Skyroot achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private Indian firm to successfully launch a rocket into space. The sub-orbital launch of Vikram-S demonstrated the company’s engineering capabilities and paved the way for the development of its orbital-class successors, including Vikram-I.
The company envisions the Infinity campus as a platform for collaboration, innovation and cutting-edge engineering. By centralising all developmental stages, Skyroot aims to reduce turnaround time, maintain stricter quality control and support multiple missions simultaneously.
The unveiling of Vikram-I alongside the launch of the Infinity campus symbolises this partnership between the government and private industry. It reflects a broader vision to position India as a leading global hub for affordable and reliable space launches.
Skyroot Aerospace’s newly inaugurated Infinity campus and the introduction of the Vikram-I orbital rocket mark a transformative moment for India’s private space sector. With significant investment, advanced infrastructure and strong government backing, the company is poised to play a major role in the country’s commercial space ambitions. As global demand for small-satellite launches continues to grow, Skyroot’s progress signals a promising future for India’s position in the international space economy.
A New Era for India’s Private Space Industry
Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity campus is now one of the most advanced spacetech facilities in the country. Spread across two lakh square feet, the complex has been designed to support a full suite of services required to build launch vehicles—from early design and engineering to integration and rigorous testing. Company officials say the facility is capable of producing one orbital rocket every month, a significant shift for India’s private space sector, which has expanded rapidly in recent years.The virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister highlights the increasing national focus on encouraging private participation in the space industry. Analysts note that the government’s support will help domestic companies compete globally, particularly in the booming small satellite launch market.
Vikram-I: Skyroot’s First Commercial Orbital Rocket
The centrepiece of the ceremony was the presentation of Vikram-I, Skyroot Aerospace’s first fully commercial orbital-class rocket. Built to launch satellites into low Earth orbit, Vikram-I represents a major step forward for India’s private launch vehicle capabilities. The rocket is expected to serve commercial customers looking for efficient, reliable and cost-effective access to space.Industry observers point out that the global demand for smaller, dedicated launches is rising as the satellite industry shifts towards compact, high-performance spacecraft. Vikram-I is designed specifically for this segment and positions Skyroot as a strong contender in an increasingly competitive global market.
Significant Investment to Strengthen India’s Space Ecosystem
Skyroot Aerospace plans to invest approximately ₹1,000 crore to enhance its rapid manufacturing capabilities and develop on-demand launch services. According to co-founder Naga Bharath Daka, the company’s long-term vision is to create a scalable model that can deliver rockets swiftly while maintaining high levels of precision and safety.Such investments will not only accelerate the company’s technological advancement but also contribute to India’s ambitions of expanding its private space sector. Experts believe that faster production cycles combined with competitive pricing could help India capture a larger share of the global satellite launch market.
A Strong Track Record Since 2018
Founded in 2018 by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Dhaka—both alumni of the Indian Institutes of Technology and former scientists with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)—Skyroot Aerospace has grown rapidly in just a few years. Their experience within India’s national space programme has helped the company build reliable launch systems and attract investor confidence.In November 2022, Skyroot achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private Indian firm to successfully launch a rocket into space. The sub-orbital launch of Vikram-S demonstrated the company’s engineering capabilities and paved the way for the development of its orbital-class successors, including Vikram-I.
Infinity Campus: A Hub for Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing
Skyroot’s new campus brings together diverse disciplines required for rocket production under one roof. The facility includes specialised manufacturing bays, advanced testing infrastructure, research laboratories and integration areas where the final assembly of launch vehicles takes place.The company envisions the Infinity campus as a platform for collaboration, innovation and cutting-edge engineering. By centralising all developmental stages, Skyroot aims to reduce turnaround time, maintain stricter quality control and support multiple missions simultaneously.
Government Push for Commercial Space Growth
India’s renewed focus on encouraging private space players has opened significant opportunities for companies like Skyroot. With policy reforms allowing private firms to build and launch their own vehicles, the ecosystem has become more dynamic and investor-friendly. Experts say this push will not only foster innovation but also increase the country’s competitiveness in satellite deployment services.The unveiling of Vikram-I alongside the launch of the Infinity campus symbolises this partnership between the government and private industry. It reflects a broader vision to position India as a leading global hub for affordable and reliable space launches.
Skyroot Aerospace’s newly inaugurated Infinity campus and the introduction of the Vikram-I orbital rocket mark a transformative moment for India’s private space sector. With significant investment, advanced infrastructure and strong government backing, the company is poised to play a major role in the country’s commercial space ambitions. As global demand for small-satellite launches continues to grow, Skyroot’s progress signals a promising future for India’s position in the international space economy.
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