New Delhi, 18 July (H.S.): India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, was successfully launched on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a historic milestone for the country’s growing private space sector.

The launch mission, named ‘Mission Aagman’, was initially scheduled for 11:30 am but was delayed due to technical reasons and finally lifted off at 12:06 pm. Developed by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram-1 is powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module.

With the successful launch of Vikram-1, India has entered the global private orbital launch market, strengthening its commercial space capabilities and opening new opportunities for private participation in the country’s space ecosystem.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh congratulated Skyroot Aerospace and its scientists on the successful launch.

Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone with Skyroot Aerospace co-founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharat Daka and praised their achievement. He said that Skyroot had established its roots in space while strengthening those roots on the ground, creating an inspiring example for the country’s youth.

Speaking to Pawan Kumar Chandana from the ISRO office, Prime Minister Modi described the launch as a major step towards an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). He said the success demonstrated that India has the capability to achieve self-reliance in the space sector with the participation of private enterprises.

The Prime Minister said Skyroot’s young team had elevated India’s pride through its dedication and hard work. He described the achievement as similar to a “Vande Mataram mission” and said it would help the new generation benefit from technology while inspiring future innovators. He also invited the Skyroot team for a meeting.

Prime Minister Modi said that when he first spoke about the vision of a self-reliant India, some people had mocked the idea due to a lack of understanding. However, the successful Vikram-1 mission has proven that India is capable of becoming self-reliant even in advanced sectors such as space technology.

Meanwhile, Dr Jitendra Singh watched the live broadcast of the launch of India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket Vikram-1 from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). He termed the successful launch a historic achievement and celebrated the occasion by distributing sweets among scientists.

Congratulating the entire Skyroot Aerospace team, Dr Singh said that the Vikram-1 mission was a landmark achievement for India’s rapidly expanding private space sector. He said the success reflected the country’s growing technological capabilities and the development of its space economy. According to him, the achievement would further strengthen India’s position as a global space power.

Features of Vikram-1

Vikram-1 is a four-stage orbital launch vehicle measuring approximately 20 metres in height and 1.7 metres in diameter. The first three stages operate on solid propulsion technology, while the fourth stage uses a liquid engine for orbital insertion and precise manoeuvring.

The rocket has been built with a fully carbon-composite structure and features 3D-printed engines along with high-thrust solid-fuel boosters. It has been designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kilograms into low-Earth orbit.

The successful launch of Vikram-1 marks a new chapter in India’s space journey, highlighting the increasing role of private companies in advancing the nation’s ambitions in the global commercial space industry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar