Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to Skyroot Aerospace ahead of the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. Calling the mission a “historic new frontier” for India’s space journey, the Prime Minister said it reflects the country’s growing innovation capabilities and the success of space-sector reforms.

The launch, named Mission Aagaman, is scheduled for 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 will attempt to become India's first privately developed orbital rocket with a historic launch from Sriharikota on July 18.
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Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 will attempt to become India’s first privately developed orbital rocket with a historic launch from Sriharikota on July 18 / X, Skyroot Aerospace

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What did PM Modi say about Vikram-1?

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said Vikram-1 marks a significant milestone for India’s private space sector.

“At 11:30 am today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed launch vehicle,” the Prime Minister wrote.

He said the four-stage rocket demonstrates the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth and showcases the opportunities created through the Centre’s space-sector reforms.

Extending his wishes to the Skyroot team, Modi said, “May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators.”

The Prime Minister also urged people, especially young Indians, to follow the mission and support it using the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.

Why is Mission Aagaman important?

Mission Aagaman marks the first attempt by an Indian private company to place satellites into orbit using an indigenously developed launch vehicle.

According to Skyroot Aerospace, the 24-metre-tall Vikram-1 is built using a lightweight carbon-composite structure and features three solid-fuel stages along with a liquid-fuelled orbital adjustment module. The rocket is capable of carrying payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit.

Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1,
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Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1/ X, Narendra Modi

Speaking to ANI, IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajesh Jothi said the mission reflects the rapid growth of India’s private space ecosystem following the 2020 space-sector reforms.

“We started with hardly five or six startup companies, and today we have more than 400 startups,” Jothi said, adding that a successful launch would strengthen India’s position in the global small satellite launch market.

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Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and COO Naga Bharath Daka told ANI that the company’s eight-year journey has been focused on building affordable and reliable launch services from India for global satellite operators.

“Our effort and the team’s effort are culminating today in this historic milestone,” Daka said.

FAQs

Q1. What is Vikram-1?


Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit.

Q2. What did PM Modi say about Vikram-1?


Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a “historic new frontier” for India and said it showcases the talent of India’s youth and the impact of the country’s space-sector reforms.