ISRO Icon Somanath Joins Skyroot, Validating India's Private Space Leap

In a significant development for India's burgeoning private space industry, S Somanath, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has joined Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace as an honorary chief technical advisor.[1][2][3] This move is widely seen as a major endorsement of the nation's private space sector and a substantial boost for Skyroot as it prepares for the orbital launch of its flagship Vikram-1 rocket.[4][2] Somanath's appointment, which is non-exclusive and honorary, allows him to continue with other professional commitments while lending his considerable expertise to the ambitious startup.[4][3] His decision to advise a private entity underscores the shifting landscape of India's space program, where collaboration between the government-led ISRO and private companies is becoming increasingly crucial for future growth and innovation.

Somanath brings a wealth of experience to Skyroot, having helmed ISRO from January 2022 to January 2025, a period marked by some of India's most celebrated space achievements.[5][6] Under his leadership, India successfully executed the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission, which saw a soft landing near the Moon's south pole, a feat no other nation has accomplished.[2][7] His tenure also included the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observatory, and significant progress in the development of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX) program.[5][7] An expert in launch vehicle systems engineering, Somanath's nearly four-decade career at ISRO involved key roles in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and as the project director for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-III).[8][5] His deep understanding of rocket science and mission management is considered invaluable for Skyroot as it navigates the complex final stages of developing and launching its own orbital vehicle.[4][1]

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in India's private space-tech scene.[9][10] The company's primary objective is to "open space for all" by developing cost-effective and reliable launch services for the small satellite market.[11] In November 2022, Skyroot made history by launching Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, a suborbital mission that served as a crucial technology demonstrator.[12][3] Now, the company is on the cusp of a more ambitious goal: the launch of Vikram-1, a 23-meter-tall, multi-stage launch vehicle.[2][4] Notably, it is India's first carbon-composite space launch vehicle and features a liquid-engine-powered Orbital Adjustment Module for precise satellite deployment.[2][3] The Vikram series of rockets, named after the father of India's space program, Vikram Sarabhai, are designed for quick assembly and launch, with the capability for multi-orbit insertion.[13][14] Skyroot has successfully raised significant funding, with a total of approximately $95 million, to fuel its growth and infrastructure development, making it one of the highest-funded Indian space startups.[9][15][16]

The collaboration between Somanath and Skyroot is emblematic of the broader policy shift in India towards encouraging private sector participation in space.[17] The Indian government has actively worked to create a more favorable ecosystem for space startups through initiatives like the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), which acts as a single-window agency to facilitate private space activities.[18][19] This strategic pivot allows ISRO to focus more on advanced research, deep-space exploration, and national security, while private companies can drive innovation in the commercial launch market.[18][20] The global space economy is projected to grow significantly, and India is aiming to increase its market share by leveraging the dynamism and efficiency of its private sector.[21] The involvement of seasoned experts like Somanath in mentoring startups is a critical component of this strategy, helping to bridge the gap between legacy knowledge and agile innovation. The partnership also comes on the heels of Skyroot signing a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S.-based Axiom Space to explore collaboration on advancing access to low-Earth orbit, signaling the Indian startup's global ambitions.[12][22]

In conclusion, S. Somanath's appointment as Chief Technical Advisor at Skyroot Aerospace is a landmark event that extends beyond a single company. It signifies a powerful synergy between India's established space prowess and its ambitious new-generation of private space entrepreneurs. With Somanath's guidance, Skyroot is better positioned to achieve its goal of launching the Vikram-1 rocket, a milestone that would cement India's place as a serious contender in the global commercial space launch market. This collaboration is a clear indicator of the maturation of India's space ecosystem, where public-private partnerships are poised to unlock new frontiers. As the lines between state-led research and commercial application continue to blur, such alliances will be instrumental in driving technological advancement and economic growth, not just in the space sector but in ancillary industries like artificial intelligence, which relies heavily on satellite data and communication infrastructure. The successful integration of deep institutional experience with startup agility, as seen in this partnership, will be crucial for India to realize its "Space Vision-2047" and become a leading power in the final frontier.[5]