Celebrations erupted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota after Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket, marking a significant milestone for India's private space sector. The achievement was further celebrated when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called the Skyroot team to congratulate them on the historic mission. During the conversation, the Prime Minister praised the young scientists and engineers for advancing India's space ambitions and inspiring a new generation to dream big in science and technology.

During the nine-minute interaction, Skyroot Aerospace CEO and Co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana highlighted that the average age of the team behind the Vikram-1 mission was just 28 years. The revelation drew appreciation from the Prime Minister, who said the accomplishment reflected the immense talent and potential of India's youth. Modi remarked that the team's success had reaffirmed his belief that young Indians can achieve extraordinary milestones when given opportunities, trust, and the right environment to innovate.

The Prime Minister described the launch as more than a technological achievement, saying it symbolised the aspirations of a new India reaching beyond Earth's boundaries. Referring to the mission's name, "Aagaman," he said it represented the beginning of an exciting journey for Skyroot Aerospace and expressed confidence that the company would achieve many more milestones in the years ahead. Chandana thanked the Prime Minister for taking the time to personally encourage the team during such a historic moment.

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An emotional highlight of the conversation came when Chandana informed the Prime Minister that a handwritten note bearing the words "Vande Mataram," sent by Modi before the launch, had travelled into space aboard the Vikram-1 rocket. The Prime Minister explained that he chose the phrase because 2026 marks 150 years of the national song and said its message has long inspired generations of Indians. He added that the Skyroot team had embodied the spirit of "Vande Mataram" through their dedication and achievement.

Later, Prime Minister Modi described the successful Vikram-1 launch as a "defining moment" in India's space journey in a post on X. He said the growing participation of private companies is transforming the country's space ecosystem by encouraging innovation, strengthening indigenous capabilities, and creating new opportunities for scientific and technological advancement. The Vikram-1 mission is being viewed as another major step in expanding India's commercial space ambitions while showcasing the capabilities of its young engineering talent.

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