Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private aerospace startup founded in 2018 by Pawan Chandana and Bharat Daka, is currently led by CEO, Pawan Chandana. The company exclusively develops orbital-class rockets, with a current focus on Vikram 1.
During a facility tour, Chandana talked about the progress of Vikram 1, an orbital class four-stage rocket — three solid and one liquid in the final stage, showing the innovative approach to rocket design. It is essential to point out that Skyroot Aerospace had already proved its worth by conducting a successful suborbital test with the Vikram S rocket. Rocket development features one of the critical problems in separation systems. Here, maximum reliability is achieved through very scrupulous testing and design. The Vikram 1 rocket has both horizontal and vertical separation systems, which are critical for deployment.
The team at Skyroot Aerospace has also developed a super-light composite structure, strong enough to bear the loads of a rocket but light enough to be lifted by hand. Skyroot Aerospace employs advanced engineering techniques such as filament winding to create pressure vessels capable of holding immense pressure. This involves using a four-axis robot to wind carbon fiber in exact directions such that the strength and durability of the rocket’s structure are assured.
The Vikram 1’s second stage includes a submerged flex seal nozzle, which allows for thrust vector control by adjusting the nozzle’s direction. This technology, essential for maintaining control during flight, involves complex actuators and mirror imaging sensors to ensure precise movements.

Pawan Chandana explained that each stage of the rocket has its own set of electronics, with a central mission computer overseeing the entire vehicle. This setup includes large batteries and control electronics for managing the actuators and nozzles. The separation system for the Vikram 1 rocket uses a pneumatic system, involving high-pressure gas bottles that trigger mechanisms to open and separate the stages.
Skyroot Aerospace’s facility also features advanced testing rigs for flex seals and nozzles. These test rigs simulate the conditions the rocket will face, ensuring each component functions as intended. The company’s commitment to rigorous testing and validation is evident in their detailed approach to every aspect of the rocket’s design and assembly.
With Chandana’s leadership, Skyroot Aerospace is clearly an exciting player in space exploration. The company’s innovative designs and dedication to overcoming engineering challenges position them as a key player in the global aerospace sector. As they prepare for the Vikram 1’s first flight, Skyroot Aerospace is poised to make a significant impact on the future of space travel.
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