India’s private space sector reached a historic milestone on Saturday after Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 orbital-class rocket, marking the country’s first privately developed rocket to successfully reach orbit. Industrialist Gautam Adani congratulated the company’s founders and team, describing the achievement as a major step forward for India’s space ambitions.

Skyroot Aerospace conducted Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 12:05 pm on Saturday. Following a short automated hold, the Vikram-1 rocket lifted off successfully and completed all mission objectives, including deploying multiple technology demonstration payloads and commemorative postcards into a 450-kilometre Low Earth Orbit.

Adani praised Skyroot co-founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Bharath Daka, along with their team, for achieving the milestone. In a message on X, he said the successful mission marked a new era for India’s private space sector and highlighted it as an example of the capabilities of young Indian innovators. He also credited ISRO and IN-SPACe for supporting the growth of private participation in the space industry.

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The 22-metre-tall Vikram-1 is a three-stage launch vehicle developed using advanced indigenous technology. The rocket features an all-carbon composite structure and uses locally developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines. It has been designed to carry payloads weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit, opening opportunities for commercial satellite launches.

The mission also carried a handwritten message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi among its commemorative payloads. After the successful launch, Modi spoke with Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana and called the achievement a significant moment for India’s space ecosystem, stating that increased private sector involvement would help accelerate innovation and expand the country’s space economy.

Skyroot Aerospace, based in Hyderabad, aims to begin commercial orbital launch services after completing additional demonstration missions. The successful Vikram-1 flight represents a major development in India’s efforts to build a competitive private space industry and increase its presence in the global commercial space market.

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