Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace is looking beyond its historic Vikram-1 mission with plans to develop a larger reusable launch vehicle that could shape the company’s next phase of growth.
Skyroot co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana confirmed that the company has already started work on a reusable rocket, which will be significantly larger than Vikram-1 and is expected to be introduced in the coming years.
The development comes soon after Vikram-1 created history as India’s first privately developed rocket to successfully reach orbit. While the company will continue focusing on the Vikram family of launch vehicles, the reusable rocket project represents its long-term vision for the commercial space market.
Chandana said Vikram-1 was designed as an expendable launch vehicle because it targets a specific segment of the market where customers require dedicated launches to precise orbits. Unlike large launch providers that focus on carrying multiple satellites through shared missions, Skyroot aims to provide dedicated launch services for smaller satellite operators.
The company expects a major share of its future demand to come from international customers, where dedicated launch opportunities remain limited. Skyroot believes its specialised launch model can help address the growing needs of global space companies.
According to Chandana, reusable rockets become economically viable when launch vehicles become larger and more expensive. Recovering and reusing costly hardware can significantly improve efficiency and reduce long-term launch costs.
Meanwhile, Skyroot is preparing for its next Vikram-1 mission. The company plans to analyse data from the first orbital flight and make any required improvements before deciding whether the upcoming mission will be another demonstration flight or its first commercial launch.
With Vikram-1 marking a major milestone for India’s private space sector, Skyroot’s focus on reusable technology signals its ambition to compete in the global launch market and build the next generation of Indian space capabilities.
