Skyroot Aerospace Takes a Major Step Toward Orbital Flight

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as a trailblazer in India's private space sector, clearing several vital milestones in the race toward its first orbital launch.

Key Developments

Successful Test-Firing of Kalam-1200 Booster
On August 8, 2025, Skyroot conducted a robust static fire test of its Kalam-1200 solid rocket booster at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Stretching 11 meters and weighing around 30 tonnes, this carbon-composite motor delivered a sustained 110-second burn, validating its ballistic performance and thrust capabilities—all essential for lifting the Vikram-1 rocket into orbit. Skyroot’s CEO celebrated the achievement as a landmark moment for India’s private-sector rocketry.

Payload Fairing Separation: Mission-Critical Validation
In June 2025, the company executed a flawless test of the payload fairing (PLF) separation mechanism. This ensures that the satellite protection shell will detach smoothly once the rocket reaches orbit—without causing damage to the payload.

Precision Stage Separation Engineered In-House
Earlier, Skyroot validated the stage separation system between Stage 2 and Stage 3 using a proprietary ultra-low-shock pneumatic mechanism. The operation achieved separation in just 0.2 seconds with minimal mechanical shock—an impressive engineering feat.

What It Means

These decisive tests mark Skyroot as the first Indian private firm ever to approach an orbital launch. With propulsion, separation, and structural systems now validated, Vikram-1 is poised for its maiden orbital flight—likely before the end of 2025.

Why It Matters

Private-sector momentum: Skyroot’s progress signals a transformational shift in India’s space ecosystem, where governmental and private entities now co-drive innovation.

Commercial access: With Vikram-1, India aims to offer affordable, on-demand access to low Earth orbit—catering to both domestic and global small satellite operators.

National pride & policy alignment: The milestones align with the Government of India’s Space Policy 2023, promoting private participation via access to ISRO’s infrastructure and expertise.

Quick Glance at Skyroot’s Progress

Milestone    Status

Fairing Separation Test    Completed in June 2025
Stage Separation System    Successfully tested
Kalam-1200 Booster Test    Completed in August 2025
Next Up    Vikram-1 Orbital Launch (2025)