People · Professional & Local Services

Skyroot founders appear on KBC

By Startup Enthusiast · 13 August 2026

What they do

Skyroot Aerospace builds rockets that launch commercial satellites into orbit for domestic and international customers

Founders Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka were featured on the Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati, aired on August 14

The TV appearance highlights growing public interest in India's private space sector and showcases Skyroot as a leading launch-vehicle startup

Skyroot Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding to invest Rs 250 crore in a new aerospace facility at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, creating 500 jobs.
The MoUs signed at the Vetri Tamil Nadu Investors Conclave total over Rs 67,452 crore in commitments across 95 firms.
Founders Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka appeared on the Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 on August 14, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
Chandana mentioned that guest-starring on the television program felt like an incredible dream come true.
Skyroot previously launched the Vikram-S rocket in November 2022, becoming the first Indian private company to reach space.

The KBC feature underscores rising public visibility for India’s private space startups.
Tamil Nadu’s aggressive investment drive aims to generate 1.20 lakh jobs and attract new high-tech firms.
Skyroot’s launch successes have positioned it as a key player in the emerging commercial launch market.

Skyroot designs and manufactures launch vehicles for delivering satellites to low-Earth orbit.
It offers end-to-end launch services, handling integration, flight operations and post-launch support.
Customers include commercial satellite operators in India and abroad seeking cost-effective access to space.
The company plans to operate a production and test facility in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
Revenue comes from launch contracts and related engineering services.
Skyroot’s technology focuses on modular, small-sat rockets such as the Vikram series.
It employs engineers with prior experience at ISRO and aims to scale launch cadence in the next few years.

Skyroot plans to build and certify its first launch vehicle production line at the Tuticorin site.
The company aims to increase launch frequency for small-sat customers in the coming years.

Product: Vikram-series rockets for commercial satellite launch services and space missions
Customers: Satellite operators, space agencies, and commercial payload providers worldwide
How it makes money: Commercial launch services provider with flight-tested propulsion and avionics systems
What sets it apart: First Indian private company to achieve orbital launch with indigenous technology