Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first private orbital rocket mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota around 11:30 IST. The four-stage launch vehicle took off as part of Mission Aagaman, aiming to place payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 450 km and an inclination of 60 degrees, marking a milestone for India’s private space sector, according to inc42.com.
The Vikram-1 rocket, standing seven storeys tall, carried customer payloads and hosted experiments from both domestic and international clients. The mission’s primary goal was to validate the rocket’s propulsion, telemetry, avionics, guidance, navigation, control, and stage separation systems under real flight conditions while collecting critical performance data. The vehicle uses solid propulsion for its first three stages and a liquid-propellant orbital adjustment stage, incorporating 3D-printed engines and pneumatic stage separation systems, inc42.com reported.
This launch represents a significant development in India’s spacetech startup ecosystem, which has been gaining momentum with private players entering the space launch market. Vikram-1’s capability to carry up to 480 kg to LEO and 290 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) positions Skyroot alongside other emerging private space companies globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the mission as a landmark moment for India’s private space industry, highlighting the government’s support for such initiatives, per inc42.com.
Mission Aagaman’s launch window was scheduled between July 12 and August 4, and the successful lift-off confirms Skyroot’s entry into orbital launch services. The company will analyze the flight data to refine its technology for future missions, aiming to expand India’s footprint in the global space launch market, inc42.com stated.