India is set to mark a landmark moment in its space journey as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. The launch, named Mission Aagaman, is scheduled for 11:30 AM IST on July 18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a “historic beginning” for India’s space sector. In a post on social media, he said Vikram-1 reflects the growing capabilities of India’s private space industry and showcases the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the country’s youth. He also urged citizens, especially young Indians, to watch the launch and support the team using the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath also extended his best wishes to Skyroot Aerospace, calling the mission a major milestone for India’s private space ecosystem. He said the launch represents not just the debut of a new rocket but the arrival of India’s indigenous private rocket manufacturing capability. Vikram-1 is India’s first orbital rocket built entirely with a lightweight carbon-composite structure and is capable of carrying payloads of up to 350 kilograms into orbit. The four-stage launch vehicle features several indigenously developed propulsion systems, including advanced 3D-printed engines, highlighting Skyroot’s technological innovations.
The mission will carry multiple technology demonstration payloads from GalaxEye Space, CosmoServe, DCube, and Skyroot Aerospace. It also includes symbolic payloads such as Prime Minister Modi’s handwritten “Vande Mataram” postcard, messages from current and former ISRO chiefs, and greetings from Indian astronauts. Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said the company has completed extensive ground testing and is eager to evaluate Vikram-1’s performance in real flight conditions. He described the launch as the foundation for Skyroot’s future launch ambitions, adding that the data gathered from this maiden mission will play a crucial role in accelerating the company’s orbital launch program.
