Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit in Pathbreaking Launch
Maiden “Mission Aagaman” launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre marks India’s entry into private orbital launch capability
Sriharikota: India’s space sector entered a new era as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace on Saturday successfully placed technology payloads into orbit with the maiden launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
The mission, dubbed “Mission Aagaman,” was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and achieved a ~450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) after completing its final burn.
The 24-metre carbon-composite rocket, powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module, is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg, enabling rapid and on-demand satellite launch services.
Among the payloads onboard was “Diamond Lotus,” a lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds, showcasing the commercial potential of India’s emerging private space ecosystem.
In a symbolic gesture, a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the words “Vande Mataram” was also sent to space, along with messages from Skyroot team members, investors, policymakers and well-wishers across the globe.
Earlier, Modi hailed the launch as a “historic new frontier” in India’s space journey, highlighting the role of youth, innovation and recent space-sector reforms in unlocking new opportunities for private enterprise.
