Skyroot Aerospace readies India's 1st private rocket Vikram-1 from Sriharikota
Skyroot Aerospace, a startup, is about to make history with Vikram-1, the first privately built Indian rocket headed for orbit.
The launch is coming up soon from Sriharikota, and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana says the team is busy getting the 23-meter rocket ready.
Vikram-1 targets precise small satellite orbits
Vikram-1 is designed for small satellite missions and includes a liquid-fuelled module that can place satellites into precise orbits.
This flight will test key systems and carry customer payloads, building on tech proven during their earlier Vikram-S launch.
After raising $60 million and becoming India's first space tech unicorn, Skyroot aims to dominate global markets: most of its business will target places like the US and Europe.
Chandana believes early movers with reliable rockets can meet high demand: "The market is good enough to absorb multiple players right now but the early players will have the advantage because the rocket is proven."