Reflect Orbital Secures Launch Capacity From India's Skyroot Aerospace
California startup orders two launches from Indian provider Skyroot, citing concerns over potential US launch capacity shortages as SpaceX shifts focus.
Key points
- Reflect Orbital purchased two launches from Skyroot Aerospace, one on Vikram-1 and one on the upcoming Vikram-1U rocket.
- Skyroot’s Vikram-1 became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit in July, establishing a new launch provider in the market.
- Satellite operators express concern that US launch capacity may become constrained as SpaceX phases out Falcon 9 in favor of the unproven Starship.
California-based Reflect Orbital announced on Wednesday that it has purchased two launch contracts from Indian aerospace provider Skyroot Aerospace, according to Payload Space. The agreement includes a flight on Skyroot’s existing Vikram-1 rocket and a subsequent mission on an upgraded vehicle known as the Vikram-1U. This procurement decision highlights a strategic shift in how some satellite operators are securing access to orbit amid changing market dynamics.
Reflect Orbital is developing a constellation of approximately 50,000 in-space mirrors designed to beam sunlight to the ground for power generation and illumination purposes. The Federal Communications Commission approved the company’s first in-space mirror satellite earlier this year, validating the regulatory pathway for this unique technology. The startup plans to launch its initial satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission next year, maintaining its existing relationship with the US provider for early deployments.
Launch Market Context
The selection of an Indian provider for follow-on missions reflects broader industry anxieties regarding future US launch capacity. Satellite operators fear a potential under-supply of launch services in the United States as SpaceX phases out its proven Falcon 9 rocket in favor of Starship. Starship is significantly larger but remains relatively unproven in operational service, creating uncertainty for companies that require reliable and frequent access to low-Earth orbit for constellation deployment.
Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as a viable alternative for smaller payloads. The Vikram-1 rocket successfully reached orbit in July, marking it as the first privately developed Indian rocket to achieve this milestone. This success demonstrates the growing capability of international launch providers to compete for commercial contracts, offering customers additional options beyond traditional US-based providers. The Vikram-1U upgrade represents the next evolution in Skyroot’s fleet, potentially offering improved performance or capacity for future missions.
Industry Implications
The Reflect Orbital deal underscores the diversification strategies employed by satellite operators to mitigate supply chain risks. By securing capacity with multiple providers, companies can reduce their dependence on a single launch vehicle or provider, ensuring continuity of service even if one partner experiences delays or technical issues. This approach is increasingly common in the smallsat sector, where mission timelines are often tight and payload volumes are high.
The competitive landscape for smallsat launches is also evolving with new entrants. Colorado startup LEAP aims to enter the market with its Bighorn rocket by 2028, targeting dedicated small-satellite launches with an initial payload capacity of 320 pounds to low-Earth orbit. As demand for orbital access grows, the availability of diverse launch options becomes critical for mission planners.
What should you do?
Monitor developments in global launch capacity and provider reliability to inform long-term mission planning. Evaluate alternative launch providers to reduce dependency on any single vendor or national space industry. Stay informed about regulatory approvals and technical milestones for new rocket systems that may impact future launch availability.
What to do and how to stay safe
- Review current launch contracts for clauses related to provider substitution or capacity guarantees.
- Assess the readiness status of alternative launch vehicles, including international providers, for future mission requirements.
- Monitor industry reports on launch provider schedules and any announcements regarding vehicle retirement or introduction.
- Engage with legal and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with international launch agreements and export controls.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Reflect Orbital using an Indian launch provider?
Reflect Orbital selected Skyroot Aerospace to secure launch capacity amid concerns that US launch options may become limited as SpaceX transitions from Falcon 9 to Starship.
When is the first Vikram-1 launch scheduled?
The source material does not specify the exact date for Reflect Orbital’s Vikram-1 launch, only that it was announced on Wednesday.
