Indian launch startup Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for its first orbital launch attempt as soon as July 12, a pivotal moment for the country's burgeoning private space industry. The mission aims to place a small satellite into low Earth orbit using the company's Vikram-I rocket, a three-stage solid-fuel vehicle.
The Vikram-I is designed to carry payloads of up to 480 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Skyroot has already conducted a successful suborbital test flight in November 2022, validating its propulsion and avionics systems. The upcoming orbital attempt will demonstrate the full stack's performance under actual flight conditions.
The launch window opens July 12, though the exact date remains subject to regulatory approvals and final vehicle checks. Skyroot plans to quickly scale up operations following a successful maiden flight, targeting monthly launches to address growing demand from domestic and international small satellite operators.
This attempt positions Skyroot as a key player in India's commercial launch market, competing with established providers like ISRO's PSLV and emerging players such as Agnikul Cosmos. A successful mission could unlock access to the booming small satellite market, projected to require hundreds of launches annually over the next decade.
Some analysts caution that first orbital attempts face high technical risks, with many startups failing on their maiden flights. Skyroot will need to overcome the inherent challenges of integrating complex systems and securing reliable ground support to achieve its ambitious post-launch cadence.