US-based Reflect Orbital has purchased two dedicated launches from Indian space technology company Skyroot Aerospace to deploy its future spacecraft. The agreement will provide launch schedule certainty and capacity for Reflect Orbital’s planned missions.
The launches will use Skyroot’s Vikram rockets and complement Reflect Orbital’s other planned launches from the US. Reflect Orbital develops orbital mirrors that redirect sunlight to specific locations on Earth.
The company plans to support solar power generation, search-and-rescue operations, and other activities that require lighting after dark. The agreement comes as Reflect Orbital prepares to deploy its spacecraft and expand its space-based infrastructure.
“There’s a real launch capacity shortage right now. We’re excited to work with a new launch provider, Skyroot, to help ensure access to space,” said Ben Nowack, Co-Founder and CEO of Reflect Orbital.
The company recently received a licence from the US Federal Communications Commission to operate its first spacecraft. Nowack said Reflect Orbital would continue working with astronomers, local communities and regulators as it develops its operations.
Skyroot said the agreement extends its commercial launch manifest across the Vikram family of launch vehicles. It also supports Reflect Orbital’s phased plans for spacecraft development and deployment.
“Reflect Orbital represents the kind of ambitious global space mission the Vikram family is being built to serve,” said Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace. He added that the partnership would provide schedule certainty and mission flexibility.
In July, Skyroot’s Vikram-1 became India’s first privately developed orbital rocket to reach orbit on its maiden flight. The achievement marked a milestone for India’s private space sector and demonstrated the company’s orbital launch capabilities.
Reflect Orbital aims to use its orbital mirrors to direct sunlight towards selected locations on Earth. Its planned applications include extending electricity generation at solar farms and helping emergency teams locate people at night.
The company also identifies safer working conditions for construction crews after dark as a potential application.
Founded in 2018, Skyroot is developing the Vikram family of launch vehicles for satellite customers in India and overseas. The company raised nearly $60 million in May at a $1.1 billion valuation, becoming India’s first space technology unicorn.