In a bold move, a Hyderabad-based private space startup, Skyroot Aerospace, has appointed former ISRO chief Dr. S. Somanath as its honorary chief technical advisor ahead of its first orbital-class rocket launch, bringing decades of launch-vehicle expertise to the company.
Dr. S. Somanath, known for directing ambitious projects like India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, has joined Skyroot Aerospace as its technical advisor ahead of its inaugural flight of its Vikram-1 satellite launch vehicle. The appointment, announced on 26 June 2025, is non-exclusive and unpaid, allowing him to pursue other engagements.
About Skyroot Aerospace
Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited is a private Indian aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. With launch vehicles like Vikram-1, a 23 m, carbon-composite, multi-stage orbital launcher featuring a liquid-engine Orbital Adjustment Module, the startup aims to enter the commercial satellite-launch business.
Bringing in a veteran like Dr. S. Somanath, who led ISRO from January 2022 to January 2025 and oversaw major missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, SSLV, and RLV, gives Skyroot deep technical insight. His advisory support during this critical phase could prove decisive.
The company quickly gained recognition following the re-entry tests of its Vikram-S rocket. Since then, it has raised approximately USD 95 million, including USD 27.5 million in late 2023, to develop a range of small satellite launch vehicles. These include the Vikram-I, II, and III, which are designed for flexible and rapid commercial launches.
Additionally, the firm has recently secured a partnership with U.S.-based Axiom Space to explore opportunities for satellite deployment and low-Earth orbit missions, highlighting its global ambitions.