India’s private space sector is set for a landmark moment on Friday as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The maiden test flight, named Mission Aagaman, will lift off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota.

The launch is expected to validate Skyroot’s orbital launch vehicle and strengthen India’s presence in the global commercial space industry.

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When and where can you watch the launch live?

Mission Aagaman is scheduled for 11:30 am IST on July 18 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

According to Skyroot Aerospace, viewers can watch the historic launch live through the company’s official YouTube channel, where the countdown and liftoff will be streamed.

The mission marks the maiden orbital flight of Vikram-1 and follows the successful launch of Vikram-S in November 2022, which made Skyroot the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space.

Why is Mission Aagaman significant?

Named after Indian space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Vikram-1 is designed to demonstrate Skyroot Aerospace’s orbital launch capabilities.

The company said Mission Aagaman aims to validate the rocket’s flight performance, propulsion systems and other key technologies before future commercial missions.

Skyroot has received launch authorisation from @INSPACeIND for Vikram-1, Test Flight-1, Mission Aagaman. India’s first private orbital launch.
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Skyroot has received launch authorisation from @INSPACeIND for Vikram-1, Test Flight-1, Mission Aagaman. India’s first private orbital launch./ X, Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot said the mission symbolises India’s arrival in the global private orbital launch market and is expected to generate critical flight data that will support the company’s future launch programme.

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This launch is also an important achievement in the fast-growing private sector of India’s space industry after reforms made the industry open to private entities.

FAQs

Q1. When will Vikram-1 by Skyroot be launched?


Aagaman mission is expected to be launched on July 18 at 11:30 am IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Q2. Where can I watch the Vikram-1 launch live?


The live stream of the launch is expected to be broadcast on the official YouTube channel of Skyroot Aerospace.