Axiom Space, the company that just carried ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India’s Skyroot Aerospace. This initiative aims to explore opportunities for collaboration that advance space exploration and enhance access to low Earth orbit (LEO).
This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Axiom Space and the Indian space sector. The collaboration comes shortly after the launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on June 25, which saw India’s return to human spaceflight with its first mission aboard the ISS.
Axiom Space CEO, Tejpaul Bhatia, remarked, “Since the day I visited Skyroot’s facility two years ago, I knew our companies had to work together to define humanity’s future in space.” Skyroot Aerospace, India’s private space launch provider, is known for launching the first rocket to space in South Asia.
The company’s CEO, Pawan Kumar Chandana, emphasised the shared vision, stating, “Enabling greater and equitable access to space is the guiding mantra at Skyroot.” Skyroot is preparing to launch its Vikram-1 rocket, its maiden orbital-class launch vehicle, as part of its mission to make space access more affordable and reliable.
The Vikram-1 rocket is designed to carry 480 kilograms of payload to a 500-kilometre low-inclination orbit.
In November 2022, Skyroot made history by successfully launching Vikram-S, India’s first-ever rocket to space from a private sector company, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Vikram S, the first of the Vikram series, was launched under the mission ‘Prarambh’, with the support of ISRO and GoI’s IN-SPACe programme.
A historic moment for India as the rocket Vikram-S, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, took off from Sriharikota today! It is an important milestone in the journey of India’s private space industry. Congrats to @isro & @INSPACeIND for enabling this feat. pic.twitter.com/IqQ8D5Ydh4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2022
The partnership between Axiom Space and Skyroot Aerospace will explore integrated launch and orbital solutions for future missions to Axiom Station and beyond. This collaboration is set to benefit both India and international markets, contributing to the growing global space economy. “We look forward to collaborating with Skyroot to serve the growing space ecosystem in India and globally,” Bhatia added.
In 2023, Skyroot had raised $27.5 million in preparation to launch into the global satellite market. Its funding then stood at $95 million, which helped it break out with multiple launches.
The post Axiom Space Partners with India’s Skyroot Aerospace to Boost Space Exploration appeared first on Analytics India Magazine.
