Reflect Orbital Booked Two Skyroot Aerospace Launches
The U.S. startup has secured launch capacity on Vikram rockets to deploy its sunlight-reflecting satellite constellation.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Space
Live Poll
Do you support the growth of private space launch companies in your country?
Reflect Orbital has purchased two dedicated launches from Indian private launch firm Skyroot Aerospace to deploy its forthcoming satellite fleet. The startup, which is licensed by the FCC to operate its spacecraft, is aiming to secure launch capacity amid a global shortage.
Why it matters
Securing guaranteed launch slots on emerging commercial rockets allows startups to bypass the current global launch capacity bottleneck. This deal reinforces the shift toward a decentralized, multi-vendor approach for specialized orbital hardware deployments.
Skyroot Aerospace, founded in 2018, reached a valuation of $1.1 billion following a $60 million raise in May 2026. The firm utilizes the Vikram-1 rocket, which successfully reached low Earth orbit during its maiden flight on July 18, 2026.
The players
Reflect Orbital
A U.S.-based startup developing spacecraft equipped with orbital mirrors to redirect sunlight to the Earth's surface.
Skyroot Aerospace
An Indian private aerospace firm based in Hyderabad that develops the Vikram series of orbital launch vehicles.
The details
Reflect Orbital satellites function by deploying orbital mirrors—large, reflective surfaces designed to redirect sunlight toward specific ground-based targets on Earth. The Vikram launch vehicles are multi-stage rockets developed by Skyroot to deliver small-to-medium satellites to low Earth orbit. These launches will serve to populate the constellation required for the company's proposed light-redirection operations.
Timeline
2022: Skyroot became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space with the Vikram-S.
May 2026: Skyroot Aerospace raised $60 million in capital.
July 18, 2026: The Vikram-1 rocket completed its maiden flight to low Earth orbit.
The Tech Race
This agreement follows the demonstrated flight performance of the Vikram-1 rocket, signaling Skyroot's maturation into a competitive international launch provider. It highlights the growing reliance of specialized U.S. satellite startups on emerging launch capacity from established private firms in India.
The operational timeline for the deployment of these mirrors depends on the scheduling of the two newly contracted launches. Interested users and industry observers should track future mission manifests to determine when the company's light-reflecting capabilities may become active.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights how satellite startups are increasingly diversifying their launch providers to maintain development velocity. Watch for future launch manifests from Skyroot Aerospace to see when these specific missions are scheduled to reach orbit.
Further reading
For more on the latest commercial aerospace developments, visit the Space section.
Live Poll
Do you support the growth of private space launch companies in your country?
