Skyroot Aerospace Set to Launch India's First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space startup, is preparing to launch India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, the Vikram-1, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission, named 'Mission Aagaman', is scheduled for lift-off at 11:30 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the launch as a 'historic new frontier' in India's space journey, highlighting the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the country's youth. In a post on social media platform X, Modi noted that the Vikram-1 is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services, marking a significant step for India's expanding private space sector.
The rocket will carry a special commemorative card with the message 'Vande Mataram' from Prime Minister Modi, along with hundreds of cards containing wishes and aspirations from people around the world.
Skyroot Aerospace developed the Vikram-1 as a three-stage, solid-fueled rocket capable of placing small satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch is seen as a milestone for India's private space industry, following policy reforms by the Indian government to open the sector to private players.
This event underscores India's growing capabilities in space technology and the government's efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the field.
