Skyroot Aerospace: India’s private space sector has reached a major milestone with Skyroot Aerospace becoming the country’s first space-tech unicorn, valued at around $1.1 billion.

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the company is building rockets to launch satellites into orbit—similar to global players like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Recently, Skyroot made headlines by successfully launching its Vikram-1 rocket, marking a major step toward commercial satellite launch services.

🍽️ The unexpected Haldiram’s connection

What surprised many is that Haldiram’s—best known for snacks and restaurants—has invested in Skyroot Aerospace.

  • Investment made during a Series B round (January 2022)
  • Amount undisclosed
  • Adds to Skyroot’s total funding of around $160 million

Yes, the same brand known for bhujia and sweets is backing rocket launches—an unusual but fascinating crossover between food and space-tech.

💼 Other big investors

Haldiram’s isn’t alone. Skyroot has attracted several heavyweight investors:

  • Lakshmi Niwas Mittal via LNM India Internet Ventures
  • BlackRock
  • GIC

This mix of domestic and global capital highlights growing confidence in India’s private space ecosystem.

🛰️ What Skyroot actually does

Skyroot focuses on small satellite launches, targeting payloads under 1,000 kg.

Key advantages:

  • 🎯 Precise satellite placement (unlike shared large launches)
  • ⏱️ Saves fuel and time for satellite operators
  • 📦 Dedicated launches for individual customers

This niche is rapidly growing as more companies deploy satellites for communication, navigation, and earth observation.

🌍 Global competition

Skyroot is entering a competitive but booming market, going up against:

  • Rocket Lab
  • Firefly Aerospace
  • Astra Space
  • Chinese firms like i-Space and Galactic Energy

The small satellite launch market is currently estimated at $5 billion and expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

📈 Why this matters

  • 🚀 Marks India’s rise in private space innovation
  • 💰 Shows diversification of traditional businesses like Haldiram’s
  • 🌐 Positions India in the global commercial space race

Conclusion

The story of Skyroot Aerospace isn’t just about rockets—it’s about how unexpected partnerships are shaping the future. From snack aisles to space launches, Haldiram’s’s investment reflects a bold shift in how Indian businesses are thinking about innovation and growth.