The bullet-shaped nose part of Vikram-1 rocket being flagged off from Skyroot Aerospace manufacturing facility in Hyderabad on Saturday. | Photo Credit: K V Kurmanath

A 2.5-m-long, 1.3-m-wide bullet-shaped nose cone of Vikram-1 has begun its journey from Skyroot Aerospace’s Hyderabad facility to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, signalling a pivotal moment for India’s private space ambitions.

The start-up aims to launch the 23-m rocket in the coming months, subject to final clearances. The mission will mark India’s first private orbital launch attempt, positioning Skyroot in a global market dominated by a handful of players.

The multi-stage vehicle can deploy small satellites of up to 350 kg in low Earth orbit. Built with an all-carbon composite structure, it features high-thrust solid boosters and advanced propulsion systems, including a 3D-printed engine.

“The heart of the rocket, the propulsion system that will power the rocket, has already reached the space centre. The brain and the rest of the body of the rocket will reach the centre over the next week,” Pavan Kumar Chandana,Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot, told businessline.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy flagged off the transport of the nose cone on Saturday, marking the completion of pre-flight testing at Skyroot’s facilities.

As the nose cone heads to Sriharikota, the remaining three-stage shells are set to follow. Named after APJ Abdul Kalam, the stages will deliver payloads to orbit with high thrust.

Small test payloads

However, the maiden flight will carry only a small payload. “We will test the systems in 2-3 launches before making the rockets fully ready for their optimum payload level of 300 kg each. In a year, we would like to launch one rocket every month,” Chandana said.

Backed by $100 million in funding over four years, the start-up is targeting a share of the $600-billion global launch market and may raise additional capital to fuel expansion. It currently employs over 1,000 people.

“We completed the most critical testing of Vikram-1 and are excited to begin integration and launch campaign activities next week at the spaceport towards this historic launch,” said Naga Bharath Daka,Co-founder and COO, Skyroot Aerospace.

The upcoming mission is the first of several planned Vikram-1 launches, aimed at enabling regular commercial launch services for satellite operators worldwide.

Published on April 25, 2026