Technopark-based spacetech startup HEX20 has signed a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace to support its upcoming Earth observation satellite missions and in-orbit payload demonstration projects.
HEX20, which developed India’s first privately built rideshare satellite, will use Skyroot’s launch services to deploy its future satellites and payloads into orbit through rideshare missions.
The agreement was signed by HEX20 Co-founder and COO M B Aravind and Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and CTO Naga Bharath Daka. As part of the partnership, HEX20 has secured three launch services from Skyroot Aerospace.
Under the agreement, HEX20 and other organisations will launch their spacecraft through Skyroot’s Vikram series of launch vehicles from 2027 onwards. The partnership aims to combine Skyroot’s launch capabilities with HEX20’s expertise in satellite design, payload integration, ground operations and mission management.
Skyroot Aerospace recently created history by successfully launching Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The Hyderabad-based company is developing a range of launch vehicles for the growing global small satellite market.
HEX20 recently launched its second satellite, KOYO (Kinetic Optical Observation), for Taiwan’s National Central University through SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission. Last year, the company launched its first satellite, Neela, in collaboration with SpaceX, becoming the first satellite developed and launched from Kerala’s private sector.
The partnership between HEX20 and Skyroot aims to build a complete space ecosystem covering satellite development, launch services, orbital operations and Earth observation data solutions.
HEX20 CEO Amal Chandran said India’s private space ecosystem is growing rapidly and the partnership with Skyroot will help the company execute advanced space missions while delivering improved services to customers in India and abroad.
Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and CTO Naga Bharath Daka said the company will continue supporting HEX20’s future missions by providing reliable launch services.
With operations across India, the US, UAE and Taiwan, HEX20 provides customised satellite platforms, mission services and in-orbit payload testing solutions for various space applications.
