Thiruvananthapuram: Technopark-based spacetech startup HEX20 has signed a multi-launch agreement with Skyroot Aerospace to support its Earth-observation constellation and in-orbit payload demonstration missions, marking a significant collaboration between two Indian private space companies.
The multi-launch agreement will enable a series of dedicated launches aboard Skyroot’s Vikram launch vehicles beginning in the fourth quarter of 2027.
HEX20, which created history by building India’s first private-sector rideshare satellite, entered into the multi-launch agreement (MLA) with Hyderabad-headquartered Skyroot Aerospace.
The agreement was signed by MB Aravind, Co-Founder & COO of HEX20, and Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & CTO of Skyroot Aerospace.
Skyroot Aerospace recently achieved a milestone by successfully launching Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
As part of the multi-launch agreement, HEX20 has purchased three dedicated launches from Skyroot Aerospace. Beginning in Q4 2027, these missions will be carried aboard the Vikram series of launch vehicles.
The launches will support HEX20’s spacecraft missions while also offering rideshare opportunities for third-party spacecraft.
The multi-launch agreement combines Skyroot Aerospace’s launch capabilities with HEX20’s expertise in spacecraft engineering, payload integration, ground operations and mission delivery.
According to the companies, the collaboration aims to establish an integrated pathway spanning spacecraft development, launch, orbital operations and Earth-observation data services, contributing to India’s growing private space ecosystem.
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Speaking on the partnership, Amal Chandran, Chief Executive Officer of HEX20, said: “India’s private space ecosystem is reaching a stage where collaboration across the mission lifecycle will define the next phase of growth.
Our partnership with Skyroot brings complementary capabilities together, allowing us to create stronger pathways to orbit and enable more ambitious missions for customers in India and around the world.”
The multi-launch agreement follows another milestone for HEX20. Last month, the company launched its second satellite, KOYO (Kinetic Optical Yaw Observer), for Taiwan’s National Central University. KOYO was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission.
Commenting on the collaboration, Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & CTO of Skyroot Aerospace, said: “We’re happy to partner with HEX20 as they expand their satellite missions and Earth observation capabilities.
Enabling innovators like HEX20 with reliable and responsive access to space is what the Vikram series is built for, and we look forward to supporting their ambitions for years to come.”
HEX20 is also Kerala’s first startup to partner with SpaceX for launching its maiden satellite Nila, which is named after the culturally significant river in Kerala as well as the Technopark building where the company is based.
With operations across the United States, UAE and Taiwan, HEX20 develops payload-agnostic satellite platforms and provides satellite mission-as-a-service along with payload-hosting capabilities for in-orbit demonstrations.
The multi-launch agreement with Skyroot Aerospace is expected to support the company’s future spacecraft missions and expand launch opportunities for third-party customers.
