Vikram-S rocket launch shows what an Indian start-up can do: Skyroot exec

Company behind privately developed rocket is looking for investors, says its co-founder

India last week successfully launched its first privately developed rocket, the Vikram-S. India opened the space sector for private companies in 2020, allowing them to build rockets and satellites as part of the Prarambh mission. Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, the start-up that developed Vikram-S, says the launch will prompt global investment in the country’s space sector.

Chandana, in an interview with Shine Jacob, spoke about his company’s investment plans and the small satellite launch market.

Here are edited excerpts from an interview.

What does the launch mean for the Indian space sector? Is this our SpaceX moment?