- India had its first private orbital rocket launch at 12.05 p.m. on July 18.
- Skyroot Aerospace changed that by launching its small-satellite launch vehicle Vikram-1 to a low-earth orbit.
- The mission has been dubbed ‘Aagaman’, Hindi for ‘arrival’.
- Skyroot has said it will have two more developmental flights after this before the rocket will be deemed market-ready.
- Since 2020, the Indian government has opened the domestic space sector to private companies by creating institutions such as IN-SPACe and allowing private firms to build launch vehicles and use ISRO infrastructure.
- Building rockets is one thing. Building a business is another — and arguably significantly more valuable.
- The global small-satellite launch market is evolving and there are still considerable challenges, including domestic demand and market uncertainties.
- On the cost front, many small-satellite makers are flying their payloads as rideshares on larger rockets, especially the SpaceX Falcon 9. The launch fee has thus dropped dramatically.
- Next, startups across Europe, the U.S., China, Japan, and Australia are also developing small-satellite launchers — and many have folded or pivoted away after struggling to secure launch contracts from what is already a small pool of customers.
- Even so, the domestic market remains relatively limited.
- Skyroot will have to find and secure international customers.
Skyroot Aerospace achieved a historic milestone with the launch of its Vikram-1 rocket, marking India's first private orbital launch at 12.05 p.m. on July 18. The mission, named 'Aagaman' (Hindi for 'arrival'), showcases the potential of India's burgeoning private space sector, which has been supported by government initiatives since 2020.124511
However, while a successful first flight is a significant achievement, Skyroot faces a challenging landscape ahead. The global small-satellite launch market is evolving, with many competitors, including startups in Europe, the U.S., China, Japan, and Australia, vying for a limited pool of customers. Many have struggled to secure launch contracts, leading to a high failure rate among new entrants.79
The Vikram-1 rocket has a payload capacity of 290 kg to a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit and 480 kg to a low-inclination orbit. Skyroot plans to conduct two more developmental flights before the rocket is deemed market-ready. The company aims to develop the Vikram-2, capable of carrying up to 1,000 kg to low-earth orbit, with its maiden flight targeted for 2027. Additionally, a fully reusable launch vehicle is in the works.
Despite these advancements, Skyroot must navigate a competitive landscape where many small-satellite makers prefer rideshare options on larger rockets, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9, which has driven launch fees down significantly. To thrive, Skyroot will need to secure international customers and build a sustainable business model in a challenging market.8
“The 'Aagaman' mission lifted off at 12:05 p.m. on July 18, with Vikram-1 carrying up to 480 kg to low-inclination orbit. Skyroot plans two more developmental flights before market readiness, targeting a 1,000-kg Vikram-2 in 2027 and a fully reusable vehicle.”
