Space startup Skyroot partners with German firm Exolaunch

Hyderabad based space startup Skyroot Aerospace has entered into a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with Exolaunch, a  German launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment services company to provide end-to-end launch services for satellites and expand access to orbit for commercial, institutional, and government customers worldwide.

Skyroot’s first orbital launch, which will also be India’s first private orbital launch, is expected soon. In August, Skyroot had announced that the launch is closer than ever as Vikram-1’s first stage, Kalam-1200, has been fully validated, with 236 data channels confirming flawless performance.

Vikram-1 is an all-carbon composite launch vehicle designed to provide on-demand and customizable launch solutions to small satellite operators. With a payload capacity of up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, Vikram-1 addresses the growing demand for responsive and cost-effective space access. Skyroot is simultaneously developing Vikram-2, which will nearly double capacity with payloads up to 900 kg to Low Earth Orbit, expanding the company's addressable market.

As part of SPA, Exolaunch will integrate and deploy customer satellites on Skyroot's Vikram series of launch vehicles, beginning with the Vikram-1 orbital missions. Exolaunch will provide its flight-proven deployment technologies for Skyroot customers across dedicated and rideshare launches.

“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.”

The partnership also includes the use of Exolaunch's EXOtube payload stacks, designed to optimize multi-payload rideshare configurations, streamline constellation launches, increase mission flexibility, and enhance vehicle utilization, Exlaunch has said in a statement.

“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.”

Both companies will collaborate on comprehensive launch campaign planning, satellite integration, and on-site mission execution to deliver seamless launch services to global satellite operators.