In a big step towards their upcoming Vikram 1 orbital launch and other Vikram missions, Skyroot has signed two important agreements today. One is with Prométhée Earth Intelligence, a French company that operates an earth observation constellation.
Skyroot will provide satellite launch services for Prométhée’s JAPETUS earth observation constellation using their Vikram rockets. The second agreement is a trilateral deal with Expleo and ConnectSAT. Expleo will provide Reconfigurable Software for ConnectSAT’s IoT Satellite, which is set to launch on the Vikram-I rocket, as part of the OSIRIS satellite constellation.
These agreements were signed at Skyroot’s facility in Hyderabad during a visit by a French business delegation. They aim to lead to the procurement of launch services from Skyroot for these satellite companies, covering multiple Vikram space launches.
The agreement between Prométhée and Skyroot was signed by Olivier Piepsz, Co-Founder and CEO of Prométhée, along with Skyroot Aerospace Co-Founders Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka. This follows a previous understanding reached between the two companies in Paris in July 2023.
Olivier Piepsz, CEO of Prométhée, mentioned, “The strategic relationship between India and France, combined with India’s inclusion of the private sector in its space endeavors, presents an extraordinary opportunity for both our companies. If we work together in a collaborative way, we will become stronger in France, stronger in India, and more competitive globally.” He noted that half of Prométhée’s satellites have specific orbital requirements, making Skyroot’s Vikram launch vehicles an excellent choice for deploying some of their satellite constellation.
The trilateral agreement involving Expleo, ConnectSAT, and Skyroot was signed by Abdoulahi Ben Moussa Dia, CEO of ConnectSAT, Frédérique Rebout, Director Alliances and Partners, and Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace.
Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, talked about the significance of the French space delegation’s visit to their facilities in strengthening the India-France relationship in the space sector.
This collaboration aligns with India’s prominent role in global space discussions, marked by achievements like Chandrayaan III, Aditya L1, and private space reforms. Chandana emphasized the importance of these agreements as Skyroot advances towards its next Vikram mission. Skyroot’s space launches are becoming the preferred choice for global operators looking to build advanced satellite constellations.
Skyroot is gearing up to launch the Vikram 1 orbital rocket in the coming months, following the successful launch of the Vikram S rocket in November 2022. The Vikram series of rockets feature advanced technologies, including 3D printing, carbon composite bodies, and a modular framework suitable for various space launch requirements and orbital deployments.