- Skyroot Aerospace partners with Exolaunch to expand global satellite launch services.
- Vikram-1, India’s first private orbital launch vehicle, is set for liftoff soon.
- Partnership ensures flexible, affordable, and efficient access to Low Earth Orbit.
Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace has formed a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with Exolaunch, a German company specializing in launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment services, to offer comprehensive launch solutions for satellites and broaden access to orbit for commercial, institutional, and government clients globally.
Skyroot's initial orbital launch, marking India's first private orbital launch, is anticipated shortly. In August, Skyroot declared that the launch is imminent as Vikram-1’s initial stage, Kalam-1200, has been completely validated, with 236 data channels validating impeccable performance.
Vikram-1 is a launch vehicle made entirely of carbon composites, aimed at offering tailored and on-demand launch options for small satellite operators. Vikram-1 meets the increasing need for efficient and affordable space access, with a payload capacity of up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit. Skyroot is concurrently advancing Vikram-2, which will almost double capacity with payloads reaching up to 900 kg to Low Earth Orbit, broadening the company's target market.
In collaboration with SPA, Exolaunch will implement and launch customer satellites using Skyroot's Vikram series of launch vehicles, starting with the Vikram-1 orbital missions. Exolaunch will offer its tested deployment technologies to Skyroot clients for both dedicated and rideshare launches.
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“We're proud to formalize and announce our new strong partnership in India. Skyroot's Vikram rockets bring an impressive new capability and much anticipated launch capacity to the global launch ecosystem,” said Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch. “Together, we will expand reliable, flexible, and cost-effective access to orbit for customers worldwide.”
“Democratizing access to space requires an integrated solution that seamlessly addresses every aspect of a satellite customer's journey — from mission planning to integration to launch," said Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. "Through our partnership with Exolaunch, a company with extensive global satellite integration and deployment heritage, Skyroot aims to provide a launch experience that is comprehensive and tailored to the needs of the modern space economy.”
The collaboration also involves Exolaunch's EXOtube payload stacks, intended to improve multi-payload rideshare setups, simplify constellation launches, boost mission adaptability, and enhance vehicle efficiency, as stated by Exolaunch. Both companies will work together on detailed launch campaign planning, satellite integration, and on-site mission execution to provide smooth launch services to international satellite operators.