Fresh off the historic success of Vikram-1, Skyroot Aerospace is already planning its next major milestone. The Hyderabad-based private space startup has begun developing a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) that is expected to play a key role in the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Speaking about Skyroot’s future plans, co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said the next-generation rocket will be significantly larger than the current Vikram series and is aimed at making future space launches more cost-effective.
Skyroot Begins Development of a Reusable Rocket
Just a day after Vikram-1 successfully reached orbit, Chandana revealed that Skyroot has already started work on its next-generation reusable launch vehicle.
According to him, the upcoming rocket will be much larger than Vikram-1 and is expected to become the company’s flagship launch system over the next few years.
The announcement offers the first glimpse into Skyroot Aerospace’s long-term roadmap following the successful maiden orbital mission of India’s first privately built rocket to reach space.
Vikram-1 Remains the Company’s Immediate Priority
While work on reusable technology is underway, Skyroot’s immediate focus remains on expanding the Vikram rocket family.
Chandana explained that Vikram-1 was intentionally designed as an expendable launch vehicle because it serves a specific segment of the commercial launch market.
Rather than competing with heavy-lift rockets that transport multiple satellites on shared missions, Skyroot aims to provide dedicated launch services for customers requiring precise satellite deployment into specific orbits.
“Our market is very clear. We see ourselves as a ‘cab to space,’ offering dedicated launches tailored to customers’ orbital requirements,” Chandana said.
Targeting the Growing Small Satellite Market
Skyroot Aerospace is positioning itself as a launch partner for operators of small satellites that require flexible and customized launch opportunities.
Unlike rideshare missions, where multiple satellites share a single launch, dedicated missions allow customers greater control over launch timing and orbital placement.
The company believes this growing demand, especially from international markets, will drive future business.
In previous interactions, Chandana had indicated that 70-80% of Skyroot’s future customers are expected to come from overseas, where dedicated launch options remain relatively limited.
Why Reusable Rockets Matter
Reusable launch vehicles have become a major focus for the global space industry because they can significantly reduce launch costs by allowing expensive rocket components to be flown multiple times.
According to Chandana, the economics of reusability become more attractive as rockets increase in size.
He explained that larger launch vehicles involve substantially higher hardware costs, making recovery and reuse commercially viable compared to smaller expendable rockets.
This strategy aligns with the broader trend in the global space industry, where reusable rocket technology is increasingly viewed as the future of cost-efficient space transportation.
Next Vikram-1 Mission Could Launch This Year
Skyroot is not slowing down after its successful debut mission.
The company is already preparing for the next Vikram-1 launch, which Chandana said could take place later this year.
However, before finalizing the timeline, engineers will thoroughly analyze data collected during the maiden flight to evaluate the rocket’s overall performance and identify any areas for improvement.
Hardware Already Near Completion
Chandana revealed that the hardware for the next Vikram-1 mission is already in the final stages of manufacturing.
The company will now study flight data from the first launch before deciding whether the upcoming mission should serve as another demonstration flight or become Skyroot’s first fully commercial launch.
The final decision will depend on whether engineers determine that any design refinements are necessary following the maiden mission.
A New Chapter for India’s Private Space Industry
Skyroot Aerospace’s successful Vikram-1 mission marked a major milestone for India’s private space sector. Now, with plans for reusable rocket technology and an expanding commercial launch program, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the global small satellite launch market.
As demand for dedicated satellite launches continues to grow worldwide, Skyroot’s dual strategy—strengthening the Vikram series while investing in reusable launch systems—could help the startup compete more effectively on the international stage and contribute to India’s rapidly evolving space ecosystem.