Telangana: ISRO, IN-SPACe Hail Skyroot's Vikram-1 Launch As Milestone For India's Private Space Sector

Congratulating the Hyderabad-based start-up, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman Dr V, Narayanan said the successful mission reflected years of innovation, perseverance and engineering excellence.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Team Skyroot on the successful accomplishment of the Vikram-1 mission. This achievement is the outcome of years of innovation, perseverance and engineering excellence, and reflects the growing maturity of India's private space sector," he said.

Dr Narayanan noted that Indian industry was increasingly translating technological capability into launch capability, complementing the country's national space programme. He reiterated that ISRO, along with IN-SPACe, would continue to work closely with industry partners to build a globally competitive space ecosystem that advances India's space ambitions.

Dr Pawan Goenka, chairman of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), described the launch as a proud moment for both Skyroot and the nation. IN-SPACe liaises between Isro and the private space industry.

"This is a proud day, not just for Skyroot but for the whole country. Only a handful of nations can reach space on their own, and today a private Indian company joined that exclusive club," he said.

Calling the mission the culmination of years of effort, Dr Goenka said the launch was made possible by a team of over 1,000 people and the contributions of nearly 400 suppliers. "Congratulations to Team Skyroot. You have given us an India moment," he added.