Vikram-1: India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Launched

On 18 July 2026, Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private company, successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately built orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh). The launch mission was named Mission Aagaman.

About Vikram-1: Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket made from lightweight carbon composite material. It can carry up to 350 kg of satellites and other payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). During its first mission, it successfully placed multiple payloads into a 450 km orbit around the Earth.

Mission Payloads: The rocket carried technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve Space, and DCUBED, along with Skyroot Aerospace’s SCOPE satellite. It also carried special commemorative items, including a handwritten “Vande Mataram” postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an 18-karat gold miniature rocket, and an artwork called Cosmic Bloom.

Why is it Important?

The successful launch made India the third country in the world, after the United States and China, to have a private company launch an orbital rocket. It is a major achievement for India’s private space industry and shows that Indian startups can now build and launch rockets capable of placing satellites into space.

Indian Space Policy, 2023 -

The Indian Space Policy, 2023 is India’s first comprehensive space policy aimed at increasing private sector participation in space activities. Before the policy, ISRO was responsible for almost all space missions, while private companies mainly worked as suppliers with limited roles. After the policy, private companies are allowed to build and launch rockets, develop and operate satellites, and provide commercial space services, while ISRO focuses on advanced research and deep-space missions. The policy is implemented through IN-SPACe ( Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), which authorises and promotes private participation.