In a significant development for India’s private space sector, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has joined Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace, a private Indian space-tech startup focused on developing and launching small satellites, as its Honorary Chief Technical Advisor.
This appointment marks a strategic milestone for Skyroot as it prepares for the imminent launch of its Vikram-1 rocket, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle capable of deploying satellites into Earth’s orbit.
A Stellar Career at ISRO
The former Chairman of ISRO, who recently retired from his position after leading the organization through significant milestones like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
Dr. Somanath, a distinguished aerospace engineer with nearly four decades of experience, served as ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space from January 2022 to January 2025. His tenure is widely regarded as one of the most successful periods in ISRO’s history, highlighted by the triumphant soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander near the lunar south pole in August 2023. This achievement made India the fourth nation to execute a soft lunar landing and the first to do so near the Moon’s south pole.
Under his leadership, ISRO also accomplished several other landmark missions, including the Aditya-L1 solar mission, XpoSat, INSAT-3DS, and commercial launches such as PSLV and LVM3-OneWeb. He was instrumental in the development of new launch vehicles like the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) test flights. Furthermore, Dr. Somanath played a pivotal role in shaping India’s ambitious ‘Space Vision-2047’, which envisions expanded lunar exploration, human spaceflight, and the establishment of a Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
Role at Skyroot Aerospace
In his new advisory role at Skyroot Aerospace, Dr. Somanath will provide technical guidance and strategic counsel as the startup readies the Vikram-1 rocket for its maiden flight. Vikram-1 is a modular launch vehicle designed specifically for the small satellite market, capable of deploying payloads of up to 480 kg into a 500 km low Earth orbit. The rocket embodies cutting-edge technologies, including carbon composite motor casings and an orbital adjustment module with re-start capability for multi-orbit insertions.
Skyroot’s founders, both former ISRO scientists, have been closely collaborating with ISRO throughout the development of Vikram-1, benefiting from the agency’s expertise and infrastructure. The company has already achieved several critical milestones, including successful testing of the rocket’s stage separation system, payload fairing, and propulsion modules. The Vikram-1 launch, originally slated for 2024, has been rescheduled to 2025 to accommodate comprehensive testing and validation.
Dr. Somanath’s involvement is expected to accelerate Skyroot’s progress by leveraging his vast knowledge of launch vehicle systems engineering, structural design, and mission management. His presence also symbolizes a growing synergy between India’s premier space agency and the emerging private space sector, fostering innovation and commercialization in the country’s space ecosystem.
Skyroot Aerospace: Pioneering Private Space Launches in India
Founded by Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, both former ISRO engineers, Skyroot Aerospace is at the forefront of India’s private space revolution. The startup aims to provide reliable, cost-effective launch services to domestic and international customers, focusing on small satellite deployment. Skyroot’s successful test launch of Vikram-S in 2022 marked the first private rocket launch in India, setting the stage for future orbital missions.
The company’s engineering team includes several veterans from ISRO, bringing decades of experience in propulsion, avionics, and systems reliability. Their proprietary technologies, such as the filament-wound carbon composite motors and advanced stage separation mechanisms, position Skyroot as a competitive player in the global small satellite launch market.
Strategic Implications for India’s Space Sector
Dr. Somanath’s transition from ISRO to Skyroot Aerospace reflects a broader trend of collaboration and knowledge transfer between public and private space entities in India. The government’s recent policies encourage private participation in space activities, aiming to nurture an ecosystem that can propel India to the forefront of space technology innovation.
With Dr. Somanath’s guidance, Skyroot is poised to enhance its technical capabilities and operational readiness, potentially accelerating India’s ambitions in commercial space launches. This move also underscores the increasing importance of private startups in complementing ISRO’s efforts, especially in the rapidly growing small satellite segment.
The appointment of Dr. S. Somanath as Honorary Chief Technical Advisor at Skyroot Aerospace is a landmark event that bridges India’s illustrious space legacy with its vibrant private space future. His unparalleled expertise and leadership will be invaluable as Skyroot prepares for the historic launch of Vikram-1, potentially making India a major player in the global commercial space launch market. This collaboration exemplifies the dynamic evolution of India’s space sector, blending decades of government-led achievements with the agility and innovation of private enterprise
This collaboration will see Somanath guiding Skyroot as they prepare for the launch of their Vikram-1 rocket, India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle. The appointment highlights the growing synergy between India’s established space program and the burgeoning private space sector.
