New Delhi—India’s space industry and public figures celebrated the successful orbital launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket, calling it a major achievement for the nation’s growing commercial space sector.
Skyroot Aerospace, the Hyderabad-based startup that developed the rocket, said Vikram-1 reached orbit on its first attempt under Mission Aagaman, a feat the company described as exceptionally rare.
“Reliving the launch—from lift-off to satellite separation. Reaching orbit on the very first attempt of a new launch vehicle is an incredibly rare feat globally. The world now has a new launch vehicle. From India, for the world,” Skyroot said in a post on X accompanying video of the mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation congratulated Skyroot and described the launch as a significant milestone for India’s private space ecosystem.
“Congratulations to IN-SPACe and ISRO teams, who enabled and facilitated the launch and ground testing operations along with technical consultancy and 24×7 safety surveillance,” ISRO said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the mission “a historic new frontier for India’s space journey” and urged the country to celebrate the accomplishment.
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli also praised the company and highlighted the young team behind the rocket.
Skyroot had “scripted history” with Vikram-1, which was built by a Hyderabad-based team with an average age of 28, he said.
The launch follows the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which opened the country’s space industry to greater private participation. The policy has encouraged private investment and entrepreneurship in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space applications and other related businesses.
India’s space economy is currently valued at about $8.4 billion and is projected to reach between $40 billion and $45 billion by 2030. (Source: IANS)
