Hyderabad-based private space company Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, ‘Vikram-1’, from Sriharikota on Saturday.
भारत ने स्पेस सेक्टर में रचा इतिहास पहला प्राइवेट रॉकेट विक्रम-1 सफलतापूर्वक हुआ लॉन्च
India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, ‘Vikram-1’, was launched on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ‘Vikram-1’ has successfully achieved its designated orbit in space. With this historic achievement, India has become the third country in the world to attain orbital launch capability within the private sector.
The rocket was developed by the Hyderabad-based company Skyroot Aerospace. Posting on its official ‘X’ handle, Skyroot Aerospace stated, “India’s first private orbital rocket ‘Vikram-1’ (Test Flight-1) has successfully achieved its designated orbit in space. Completing its final burn, the rocket deployed payloads at an altitude of approximately 450 kilometers above Earth. With this historic achievement, India has become the third country in the world to attain orbital launch capability within the private sector.”
Vikram-1 is equipped with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module. The mission aims to place payloads weighing up to 350 kg into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree inclination.
Skyroot posted on X, “Lift-off! Vikram-1 has taken flight from the Sriharikota pad. India’s first privately developed orbital rocket is airborne. History is being made.”
In another post, Skyroot stated, “Safe tower separation. At T+10 seconds, Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has separated from the launch tower.”
Skyroot reported, “Stage 1 separation.” Kalam-1200—the solid first stage of the Vikram-1 Test Flight-1—propelled the rocket out of the densest part of the atmosphere and separated smoothly. The payload fairing separated; Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has shed the protective shield that safeguarded its payload during the atmospheric ascent. The satellites are reaching space for the first time.
Skyroot stated in an X post, “Stage 2 has separated. Kalam-250 has completed its burn and detached, paving the way for the next push towards orbit. Stage 3 has ignited.” Kalam-100—the smallest solid-fuel stage capable of reaching the highest altitudes—has been activated to provide the next major push towards orbit for the Vikram-1 Test Flight-1.
Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, the Vikram-1 is capable of delivering payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Constructed with an all-carbon-composite structure, solid-fuel boosters, and 3D-printed liquid engines, this launch vehicle represents a significant milestone for India’s private space industry.
In its maiden mission, it will deploy multiple customer payloads into a 450-kilometer orbit. These include Skyroot’s SCOPE satellite, D-Orbit’s technology demonstration payload, Dhruva Space’s Thybolt (SOLARIS) satellite, and Cosmoserv Space’s ‘Embrace’ robotic arm—designed to capture orbital debris (space junk).
The flight will also carry special payloads, such as a flower-shaped art piece named “Cosmic Bloom” and an 18-carat gold micro-rocket featuring miniature sculptures of scientists C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
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