Skyroot’s Vikram-1 lifts-off from Sriharikota, India’s private space era officially begins

SRIHARIKOTA (Andhra Pradesh): India’s space sector has officially entered a new epoch. On Saturday, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully executed ‘Mission Aagaman’ from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marking the maiden flight of Vikram-1 — the nation’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.

This isn’t just another launch; it represents a tectonic shift in India’s space narrative. Historically the domain of government-led programs, orbital access is now open for private enterprise. The 24-metre, carbon-composite rocket stands as a testament to indigenous engineering, powered by a sophisticated configuration of three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

Built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram-1 is powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment… pic.twitter.com/QQC9CPjcxH

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026

The mission, designed to deploy payloads up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO), signals a future of rapid, on-demand launch services. Among the maiden cargo is the “Diamond Lotus,” a lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds, proving that this new infrastructure is ready for high-value commercial application.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: The solid-propulsion phase of India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, is complete.

Every solid stage of Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has fired and separated as designed. Next is the Orbital Adjustment Module: Skyroot Aerospace… pic.twitter.com/KPTrdAtqtn

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026

Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special–a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words, ‘Vande Mataram’. It travels to space alongside handwritten messages from the Skyroot team, investors, policymakers, and well-wishers across the globe, making Mission Aagaman a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed launch vehicle, describing it as a “historic new frontier” in the country’s space journey and a reflection of the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth.

In a post on X the PM Modi said, “A historic new frontier for India’s space journey! Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed launch vehicle. This four-stage rocket is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services. This mission highlights the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. It also shows how our space-sector reforms are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise. My best wishes to the entire Skyroot Aerospace team for a successful launch. May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators. I urge all Indians, especially my young friends, to follow this historic mission and join in wishing Team Skyroot success using #IndiaWithVikram1.” (ANI)