by Aakash Srivastava
Skyroot Aerospace, a private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider has been seen making strides in space technology for the past three years despite the company still in its nascent stages. Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO of Skyroot Aerospace and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) alumni, spoke exclusively with Indian Aerospace and Defence about the emerging space ecosystem for private players in the country along with the firm’s journey so far and the road ahead.
Excerpts from the conversation
Q. With the private sector granted permission to access ISRO’s facilities, how will the move enhance India’s aerospace industry?
The private sector’s access to ISRO’s infrastructure and expertise will be instrumental in accelerating private enterprise and investments both upstream and downstream. Access to these facilities significantly lowers development costs of space-tech solutions, making it easier for private space-tech enterprises to attract capital, reduce technical risk, and get to market quickly. The cost benefits are expected to pass downstream, allowing the emergence of affordable space-tech solutions for people and businesses.
Q. Skyroot is building the Vikram series of rockets to carry small satellites into space. Tell us about the importance of this project in India’s aerospace sector and by when we can expect the maiden launch.
Our Vikram Launch Platform comprises Vikram I, Vikram II, and Vikram III launch vehicles that can carry payloads ranging from 315 kilograms, 520 kgs, and 720 kgs to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO), respectively. We are targeting our first launch in 2022.
Globally, many nations see the importance of satellite communications and earth observation to meet their socio-economic and environmental sustainability goals. Demand for such solutions is rising both by the private and public sectors.
However, only 6-7 nations such as India have demonstrated capabilities to launch such satellites into orbit. Our Vikram launch platform adds to India’s space launch capabilities alongside ISRO, offering affordable and on-demand access to outer space from India for the world.
Q. The Department of Space has created IN-SPACE, the authorisation and regulatory body for enabling private players to undertake space activities in the country. What kind of opportunities and boost will it provide to private players involved in the industry?
The formation of IN-SPACe is a significant milestone for India’s space sector. We expect the institution to act as an important enabler of private space enterprise, especially start-ups. We hope IN-SPACe to set up a market-friendly regulatory environment, streamline approvals and clearances with predictive timelines, and support technology transfers.
Q. Since the government has opened doors to private players in the aerospace sector, Skyroot has raised $11 million in its series A round of funding, nearly 10 times the $1.5 million raised in 2018. According to you, what gives Skyroot Aerospace an edge compared to other private players in India’s aerospace industry?
Within the space sector, we are a new-space start-up working to independently offer commercial space launch solutions to satellite operators worldwide. As an OEM in a new space economy, we feel our rocket architecture, fantastic team, and the unique work culture we have built to develop space systems with a pace of an agile start-up makes us stand out.
Q. Kindly share a few of the ambitious projects of Skyroot Aerospace through which your team is aiming to revolutionise India’s aerospace?
Presently, we are focusing our efforts on building the Vikram launch platform and getting Vikram I ready for launch next year. That said, a launch vehicle is essentially a systems-of-systems, with many sub-systems that could have use cases in other industries.
Q. With the government’s central focus on indigenisation and ISRO’s increasing assistance to private players, where do you think the Indian Aerospace sector stands compared to the global market?
Over the years, the Indian Government and ISRO’s efforts have helped build critical national infrastructure, technologies, human capabilities, and supplier groups that have helped establish India as a provider of reliable and affordable space solutions.
Nonetheless, as of 2020, India’s share of the global space economy valued at $360Bn is estimated at -2%. Or $7Bn. The Indian government aspires for the space sector to contribute ~1% or $50Bn of India’s projected $5 trillion economies over the next 5-6 years. This can only be done with the participation of the private sector that can deploy solutions scale.
Currently, India’s space sector can readily leverage the capabilities ISRO has built over the years to deploy space-based solutions globally. Supported by conducive policies, robust institutions, and university-industry collaboration, India’s private sector can help strengthen its competitiveness globally.
