How Hyderabad-based Aerospace Startup Skyroot Is Aiming To Become India's SpaceX

In an era wherein Elon Musk¡¯s SpaceX hogs most of the limelight when it comes to space missions, besides NASA and ISRO, a relatively lesser-known Indian space startup is making the country proud and growing strength to strength.

Hyderabad-based Space Startup 'Skyroot'

Hyderabad-based Skyroot, which is India¡¯s first private space launch startup, aims to be India¡¯s version of SpaceX. Skyroot was founded in 2018 by Pawan Kumar Chandana (ex-scientist at ISRO) and Naga Bharath Daka (ex-engineer at ISRO).

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As recently as last month, Skyroot's founders were presented with the Emerging Innovator Award at this year's Forbes India Leadership Awards.

"SpaceX is a symbol of great innovation and great market validation," said Skyroot co-founder Chandana, who added they have not had the chance to speak to Elon Musk yet, as per a Reuters report.

Skyroot's Plan For 2023 & 2024

The space startup had last year become India¡¯s first private company to launch a rocket into space. And as recently as earlier this month, it announced that it has successfully test-fired Dhawan-II, a 3D-printed cryogenic rocket engine.

The engine will be used in the upper stage of their Vikram II rocket, which is slated for launch in 2024. However, before that, Skyroot Aerospace is aiming to commence its commercial operations with Vikram-I, slated to launch later in 2023.

With 3D printing, Skyroot reportedly believes it can build a new rocket in just two days as it works towards reusable rockets, a technology pioneered by SpaceX.

The startup also plans to put a satellite into orbit in 2023 and expects to be able to do so at half of the cost of established launch companies, the founders of Skyroot Aerospace had said, as per a Reuters report.

Also Read: Elon Musk's SpaceX May Launch Starlink Services In India

"In Contact With 400 Potential Customers"

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The Hyderabad-based startup, backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, says it has been in contact with more than 400 potential customers.

Pawan Chandana also said that he expected a surge in demand for the company's launch services if it proves itself with launches set for next year. "Most of these customers have been building constellations and will be launching them in the next five years," he said.

Thousands of small satellite launches are planned in coming years as companies build out networks to deliver broadband services like SpaceX's Starlink and to power applications like tracking supply chains or monitoring offshore oil rigs.

Amidst this, Skyroot faces both established and up-and-coming rocket launch rivals that also promise to bring down their costs.

Also Read: List Of Companies Co-Founded/Headed By Elon Musk

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