• The Indian government opened the space sector to private industry in 2020, allowing companies to build rockets and use state-operated facilities.
  • The most promising Indian launch company, Skyroot Aerospace, is preparing to launch its first orbital rocket, Vikram-1, within a few months.
  • Skyroot was founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists and has raised $60 million, valuing the company at $1.1 billion.
  • The Vikram-1 rocket is over 20 meters tall, has three solid-fuel stages, and can carry nearly half a metric ton to low Earth orbit.
  • The first stage is powered by the Kalam-1000 engine with 1,000 kN of thrust.
  • In 2022, Skyroot successfully launched the suborbital Vikram-S rocket, reaching an altitude of 90 meters.

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