Skyroot Signs Multi-Launch Deal After Vikram-1 Success

Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space company, signed a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) with HEX20, a Thiruvananthapuram-based spacetech startup, for Earth-observation and payload demonstration missions. The agreement covers three dedicated launches on Skyroot’s Vikram series of launch vehicles, with missions scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Multi-Launch Agreement

A Multi-Launch Agreement is a commercial contract for multiple satellite launches over a defined period. In this case, the agreement was finalised on 6 August 2026 and was signed by Naga Bharath Daka, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Skyroot Aerospace, and M.B. Aravind, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of HEX20.

Vikram-1 Orbital Mission

Vikram-1 completed its maiden orbital flight on 18 July 2026. The rocket is described as India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle, and it lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

During the mission, Vikram-1 deployed multiple customer payloads into Low Earth Orbit. The payloads included the SCOPE satellite and the Grahaa satellite, both of which were placed in orbit as part of the launch sequence.

Commercial Space Launches in India

Private launch contracts in India are linked to the growth of commercial space activities under the country’s space sector reforms. Vikram-series missions are designed for orbital launches and rideshare opportunities, which allow third-party spacecraft to share launch capacity on the same rocket.

Important Facts for Exams

• Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and serves as India’s main orbital launch site.
• Low Earth Orbit generally refers to an altitude range of about 160 km to 2,000 km above the Earth’s surface.
• Rideshare launches are used by multiple payloads on a single rocket to reduce launch cost per satellite.
• Skyroot Aerospace is one of India’s private space companies working in the launch vehicle segment.

Skyroot is also reported to be planning at least one more Vikram-1 test mission in late 2026. The company has stated a long-term production target of 12 launches per year.