Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Hyderabad-based private space startup Skyroot Aerospace on Saturday created history by successfully launching Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital rocket, marking a watershed moment for the country's rapidly expanding commercial space sector. The rocket completed its maiden test flight successfully and placed itself into a 450-km circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO), becoming the first privately built Indian launch vehicle to achieve orbital capability. While the launch took place from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, the rocket was designed, built and operated entirely by Skyroot Aerospace, with ISRO providing only the launch infrastructure.

Private Space Industry Reaches Historic Milestone

The launch took place at 12:05 pm from Launch Pad-1 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh under a mission named "Mission Agaman". The achievement is being seen as a defining moment for India's private space ecosystem, which was opened to commercial participation only a few years ago. The company had earlier demonstrated its capabilities by launching the Vikram-S sub-orbital rocket in 2022, which reached an altitude of 89.5 km. Vikram-1 has now successfully entered orbit around Earth, a far more complex technological feat requiring speeds of nearly 28,000 kmph.

Founded by Former ISRO Scientists

Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 by two former ISRO scientists, Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, with the aim of building affordable, reliable and on-demand launch vehicles for global satellite operators. The Hyderabad-based startup has since emerged as one of India's leading private space companies and recently became the country's first space-tech unicorn after crossing a valuation of over $1 billion.

The company says its long-term vision includes:

• Providing cost-effective satellite launch services worldwide.
• Building fully indigenous launch vehicle technologies.
• Strengthening India's commercial presence in the global space market.
• Supporting the country's growing private space ecosystem.

Special Payloads Celebrate Science And Heritage

Mission Agaman carried a diverse mix of commercial, technology and artistic payloads into space. Technology payloads included experiments from Graha Space, Cosmoserv Space, DQubed and Skyroot's own in-house Scope payload. Beyond technology demonstrations, the mission also carried symbolic artefacts celebrating India's scientific legacy.

Among the highlights were:

• "Cosmic Bloom", an artwork created by Cosmos Diamonds.
• An 18-carat gold micro-art rocket.
• Miniature engravings of Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai and former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• A handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi carrying the words "Vande Mataram".

Following the successful mission, Prime Minister Modi personally telephoned the company's founders and congratulated them on the landmark achievement.

Lightweight Rocket Powered By Advanced Design

Vikram-1 is India's first orbital launch vehicle built entirely using lightweight carbon-composite structures, making it significantly lighter and more fuel-efficient than conventional rockets. Carbon fibre is nearly five times lighter than steel while offering exceptional structural strength, allowing the rocket to carry more payload with lower fuel consumption.

The rocket uses a four-stage propulsion architecture. Its first three stages are powered by solid fuel motors that generate the enormous thrust required during lift-off and the initial climb through the atmosphere. Once the rocket reaches space, a liquid-fuel Orbital Adjustment Module takes over to precisely control speed, direction and final satellite deployment into the designated orbit.

Orbital Success Opens New Opportunities

Unlike a sub-orbital rocket, which briefly reaches space before falling back to Earth, an orbital rocket must attain enough velocity to continuously circle the planet. Achieving orbital velocity of around 7.8 km per second, or nearly 28,000 kmph, is among the most demanding milestones in rocket engineering. Vikram-1's success demonstrates that Indian private companies are now capable of independently developing sophisticated orbital launch systems.

Industry experts believe the mission could transform India's commercial launch market by reducing dependence on government agencies and attracting international satellite customers seeking affordable launch services. The success is also expected to encourage investment in deep-tech startups, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and generate high-skilled employment across the aerospace sector.

Mission Marks New Era For Indian Space

The Vikram-1 mission honours the legacy of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme, after whom Skyroot has named its rocket series. The company had earlier launched Vikram-S as its first sub-orbital mission, while Vikram-1 now establishes its orbital capabilities.

The landmark mission is expected to reshape India's space ambitions by:

• Expanding private participation in satellite launches.
• Increasing India's competitiveness in the global launch market.
• Accelerating innovation through startup-led technologies.
• Supporting the country's vision of becoming a major global space economy.

With Vikram-1 successfully completing its maiden orbital flight, India has taken a decisive step towards building a vibrant commercial space industry where private enterprises work alongside ISRO to power the nation's next phase of space exploration and satellite launch services.