Sriharikota: Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, successfully lifted off from Sriharikota on Saturday at 12:05 pm after a brief delay due to a “planned hold” during the countdown

The rocket was originally scheduled to launch at 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, but the Automated Launch Sequence (ALS) was temporarily paused, reportedly due to navigation-related checks. The countdown later resumed, leading to the successful launch.

The four-stage Vikram-1 rocket, developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit. The mission, named “Aagaman”, marks the first time an Indian private company has developed and launched an orbital-class rocket independently.

Named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, Vikram-1 represents a major step for India’s growing private space industry and aims to provide affordable, on-demand launch services for satellite operators globally.

India’s first private orbital rocket mission

Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle designed to independently place payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the 24-metre rocket features a lightweight carbon-composite structure and is powered by three solid-fuel stages along with a liquid orbital adjustment module.

The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450-km orbit.

Skyroot founders call launch a historic moment

Skyroot Aerospace COO and co-founder Naga Bharath Daka said the mission represents eight years of efforts to develop affordable and reliable launch solutions for global satellite operators.

He said Vikram-1 uses advanced technologies, including carbon-fibre structures and 3D-printed rocket engines, making it one of India’s most technologically advanced private rockets.

Skyroot CEO and founder Pawan Kumar Chandan described the mission as a proud moment for India, noting that only a small number of companies globally have demonstrated the ability to launch orbital-class rockets.

PM Modi praises private space milestone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier called Vikram-1’s launch a “historic new frontier” for India’s space journey.

He said the mission reflects the growth of India’s private space sector after reforms opened greater opportunities for private companies to participate in space activities.

Mission Aagaman payloads

The maiden flight is expected to carry multiple technology demonstration payloads from Indian and international organisations. The payloads include: A lab-grown “Diamond Lotus” developed by Cosmos Diamonds, Technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot’s SCOPE platform, A handwritten “Vande Mataram” postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

If successful, Vikram-1 will establish Skyroot Aerospace as the first Indian private company to successfully place payloads into orbit using its own launch vehicle.