Modi Unveils Vikram-I: India's First Private Orbital Rocket is Ready for Launch

In a historic leap for India's private space industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace's new "Infinity Campus" in Hyderabad on November 27, 2025. During the event, he unveiled Vikram-I, the country's first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle. Capable of placing 300 kg payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the rocket is slated for its maiden flight in early 2026. This unveiling signals the maturing of India's "NewSpace" ecosystem, moving from policy reforms to tangible, industrial-scale infrastructure capable of competing globally.

The Context (How We Got Here)

Skyroot Aerospace first made headlines in November 2022 with the sub-orbital launch of Vikram-S. Since then, the Hyderabad-based startup, founded by former ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, has been racing to build an orbital vehicle. The new 60,000 sq. ft. Infinity Campus is the engine room for this ambition, designed to manufacture and test one complete rocket every month. This rapid scaling is powered by advanced technologies like 3D-printed engines (the Raman-2) and carbon-composite structures, funded by a massive $95 million war chest from investors like GIC and Temasek.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

Pawan Kumar Chandana (CEO, Skyroot): The visionary. A former ISRO scientist, he is steering Skyroot to become a "space taxi" service for the booming small-satellite market. His strategy hinges on cost-efficiency and rapid turnaround.
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister): The enabler. His inauguration validates the government's 2023 decision to open the space sector to private players (IN-SPACe), positioning space technology as a key pillar of India's $5 trillion economy goal.
Exolaunch (German Partner): The bridge to the global market. Skyroot's strategic partnership with this German launch services leader ensures that Vikram-I will have paying customers from day one, accessing both dedicated and rideshare missions.

The BIGSTORY Reframe

While the headlines celebrate the "First Private Rocket," the deeper story is the "Manufacturing Revolution." Skyroot isn't just building rockets; they are changing how rockets are built. By integrating 3D printing for critical components like the Raman-2 engine, they have slashed production times from months to days. The Infinity Campus represents a shift from the "craftsman" model of aerospace to the "assembly line" model. This capability to mass-produce launch vehicles puts India in direct competition with global players like Rocket Lab, offering a "made-in-India" price point for the deployment of mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb.

The Implications (Why This Changes Things)

If Vikram-I succeeds, it breaks ISRO's monopoly on orbital launches, freeing up the national agency to focus on deep-space exploration and heavy-lift missions. Commercially, it positions India to capture a larger slice of the $77 billion global launch market by offering agile, on-demand access to space. However, the risks are high: the small-satellite launch market is crowded and ruthless. A failure in the maiden flight could spook investors and customers, while success would validate India's private sector as a mature, reliable partner for global satellite operators.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

We have the rocket and the factory, but in a market littered with failed launch startups, can Skyroot turn technical capability into commercial sustainability?

FAQs

What is Vikram-I and how is it different from ISRO's rockets? Vikram-I is India's first privately developed orbital rocket, designed to carry small satellites (up to 300 kg) to Low Earth Orbit. Unlike ISRO's massive PSLV or GSLV which are designed for heavy payloads and government missions, Vikram-I focuses on the commercial small-satellite market with quick turnaround times.

When will Vikram-I launch? Skyroot Aerospace is targeting the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-I for early 2026, likely within the first few months of the year.

Where is Skyroot Aerospace located? Skyroot Aerospace is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. Their new manufacturing and assembly facility, the "Infinity Campus," is also located in Hyderabad.

Does Vikram-I use 3D printing technology? Yes. Skyroot uses advanced 3D printing to manufacture critical components, including the Raman-2 engine. This technology significantly reduces the number of parts, weight, and production time, allowing for faster assembly.

Who funds Skyroot Aerospace? Skyroot is backed by major global investors including Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, Temasek, Sherpalo Ventures, and Graph Ventures, having raised over $95 million.

Sources

News Coverage

Research & Analysis

Brajesh Mishra Associate Editor

Brajesh Mishra is an Associate Editor at BIGSTORY NETWORK, specializing in daily news from India with a keen focus on AI, technology, and the automobile sector. He brings sharp editorial judgment and a passion for delivering accurate, engaging, and timely stories to a diverse audience.