17 minutes agoAuthor: Samira Siddiqui
For decades, India’s journey to space has largely been led by ISRO. Now, a private Indian startup is preparing to take the spotlight.
On July 18 at 11:30 a.m., Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will attempt to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. If the mission succeeds, it will become the first time an Indian private company places a payload into orbit, opening a new chapter for the country’s commercial space industry.
Named Mission Aagaman, meaning arrival, the launch is more than just another rocket flight. It represents India’s growing private space ecosystem and the country’s ambition to become a major player in the global satellite launch market.
Handwritten postcard by PM Modi to be launched into space aboard Vikram-1
When Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 lifts off on Mission Aagaman from Sriharikota on July 18, it will carry a special payload alongside its technology demonstrations—a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the words “Vande Mataram.” The rocket will also transport handwritten messages from Skyroot team members, scientists, policymakers, investors, current and former ISRO chairpersons, and Indian astronauts, making the mission a symbolic tribute to India’s growing space ecosystem and the country’s journey toward private spaceflight.
What is Vikram-1?
Vikram-1 is an orbital launch vehicle designed and built entirely by Skyroot Aerospace. Standing around 20 metres tall and measuring 1.7 metres in diameter, the rocket is built to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The vehicle has four stages:
- The first three stages use solid rocket motors.
- The fourth stage uses a liquid engine that helps place satellites into their final orbit with precision.
- The rocket also features advanced technologies such as an all-carbon composite structure, 3D-printed engines, and high-performance solid-fuel boosters. These technologies make the rocket lighter, stronger and more cost-effective.
- During its maiden flight, Vikram-1 will aim to place payloads into a 450-kilometre orbit at an inclination of 60 degrees.
What is Mission Aagaman all about?
Mission Aagaman is the first test flight of Vikram-1. Its main objective is to prove that Skyroot’s rocket and its technologies can perform successfully in real flight conditions. The mission is designed to collect valuable flight data that will help engineers improve future versions of the rocket and prepare it for regular commercial launches.
Skyroot says the mission will validate the vehicle’s overall performance, onboard systems and critical technologies before offering launch services to customers worldwide.
Why is this launch so important?
This mission could become one of the biggest milestones for India’s private space industry. Until now, ISRO has been responsible for launching Indian satellites into orbit. If Vikram-1 succeeds, Skyroot will become the first private Indian company to place payloads into orbit using its own launch vehicle.
The mission also highlights how India’s space reforms are encouraging private companies to build rockets and offer commercial launch services globally.
Who is behind Vikram-1?
Founded in Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace is one of India’s leading private space startups. The company first made history in November 2022 by launching Vikram-S, India’s first privately built rocket to reach space during a suborbital mission.
Now, with Vikram-1, Skyroot is taking its next big step, moving from suborbital flights to orbital missions. Speaking ahead of the launch, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, said:
We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on the ground. On July 18, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in a real flight environment for the first time.
Skyroot Co-founder and COO Naga Bharath Daka added:
What we are aiming to do on July 18 is bigger than a single launch. It represents the hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people, the contributions of over 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India.
What will Vikram-1 carry?
The rocket will carry several technology demonstration payloads from Indian and international companies.
Some of the key payloads include:
- Technology payloads from Grahaa Space
- Mission Embrace, a robotic technology developed by Cosmoserve Space
- Components from DCubed
- Skyroot’s in-house SCOPE payload
- Cosmic Bloom, a unique space artwork by Cosmos Diamonds
- Gold sculptures of Sir C.V. Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam into space.
Mission profile: What will happen during the launch?
During the flight:
- The rocket’s four stages will ignite one after another.
- After stage separation, the fourth-stage liquid engine will place the payloads into orbit.
- The mission will target a 450-kilometre Low Earth Orbit with a 60-degree inclination.
- Engineers will closely monitor the rocket’s performance, navigation systems, propulsion and onboard technologies throughout the flight.
- The data collected will be used to improve future commercial missions.
Also read: Abdul Kalam’s gold rocket memento to be sent to space:India’s 1st private aerospace firm to send microscopic sculptures of 3 scientists into space What happens if the mission succeeds?
A successful launch would establish Skyroot as India’s first private company to achieve an orbital launch and bring it closer to offering dedicated launch services for small satellites. Instead of sharing rides on larger rockets, satellite operators could book dedicated launches to place their payloads into specific orbits—similar to the business model followed by international launch providers.
