Skyroot's Vikram-1 becomes India's first private rocket to reach orbit

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace on Saturday scripted history as its Vikram-1 rocket successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, becoming the first privately developed Indian rocket to achieve an orbital mission.The landmark launch, named 'Aagaman', marks India's entry into the global private launch services market and positions Skyroot among a select group of private companies worldwide capable of developing and launching orbital rockets.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

Built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram-1 is powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment… pic.twitter.com/QQC9CPjcxH

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026

According to media reports,the launch was initially scheduled for 11:30 a.m. but was placed on a planned hold by the mission control team minutes before liftoff. The rocket eventually lifted off at 12:05:30 p.m. on a clear Saturday afternoon. At 12:21 p.m., mission controllers confirmed the successful injection of the payload into its intended orbit, declaring the mission a success with the announcement, "Hello, space. We have arrived."

Hello space, we have arrived! Vikram-1's Test Flight-1 has completed it's mission.

The first ever Indian private sector launch has been successfully completed. #Vikram1 #MissionAagaman #OpeningSpaceForAll

— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 18, 2026

Vikram-1 is a four-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The maiden mission targeted a 450-km orbit with a 60-degree inclination.Built using an all-carbon composite structure, the rocket is powered by propulsion systems developed in-house by Skyroot, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel boosters.
The vehicle carried technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE platform. It also transported Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art installation featuring miniature sculptures of Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai and former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.Named after the father of India's space programme, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Vikram-1 builds on the success of Skyroot's Vikram-Ssuborbital mission launched in November 2022.Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as "a historic new frontier" in India's space journey. He said the rocket is designed to provide rapid, on-demand launch services and reflects the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth."My best wishes to the entire Skyroot Aerospace team for a successful launch. May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators," the Prime Minister said, urging people to follow the mission using the hashtag IndiaWithVikram1.The rocket also carried a commemorative card bearing the Prime Minister's handwritten message, "Vande Mataram," along with hundreds of postcards carrying wishes from people around the world.

A historic new frontier for India’s space journey!

At 11:30 AM today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed launch vehicle.

This four-stage rocket is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services.… pic.twitter.com/1qFVTwNOuZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026

In a tribute to the team behind the mission, Vikram-1 also flew with the signatures of Skyroot's engineers, technicians and employees, commemorating India's landmark private spaceflight achievement.