India has successfully launched its first privately developed orbital rocket into space.

 Vikram-1 was built specifically to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Launch date: 18 July 2026 at 12:05:30 PM IST
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, India
Mission Name: Aagaman
Company Name: Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad)

Why This Matters

• India's first private rocket to be placed in orbit.
• Proved India could commercialise space satellite launching.
• Validated advanced technologies like composites production, 3D printing of propulsion elements and precise satellite deployment.
• Opens the way for regular commercial launches of small satellites for customers worldwide.

On November 18, 2022, Skyroot Aerospace launched a test rocket, Vikram-S, from Sriharikota, which was a sub-orbital flight. Later, Vikram-I was designed as a 4-stage solid-fuel rocket comprising 3 solid stages and a liquid stage to carry small satellites into LEO. ISRO & IN-SPACE offered hand-holding & support for this venture and brought this to light. ISRO opened the Solid Motor Casting & Static Test facilities at SDSC, Sriharikota to the users. In SDSC, the casting and testing of the first stage solid motor were carried out. The second stage motor was also subjected to a static test in SDSC.

A test of the liquid upper stage (RAMAN-I) engine was also conducted at the LPSC test facility. All stages for the vehicle are prepared at the vehicle workshop, and all materials are handled during the vehicle stage preparation. All the stages are transported to the launch pad from the vehicle workshop; the trajectory analysis and the integration of the vehicle into the launch pad on the First Launch Pad (FLP) were also all provided. The safety team of ISRO kept an eye on the entire process of the Skyroot team within SDSC on a 24x7 basis to ensure safe operations.

IN-SPACe, the regulation & promotion agency for space activities in the country, was instrumental in creating a seamless path to ISRO facilities for the NGE Skyroot Aerospace, for them to provide required technical consultancy, mission readiness reviews and clearances for the launch. ISRO and IN-SPACe are proud of the successful first test-firing of the Vikram-I launcher by the team at Skyroot Aerospace. This is hopefully the beginning of more such projects and a pathway to commercialising overseas.

It has sent its payload into a 450 km orbit successfully, in 15 minutes.

Vikram-1 Specifications

• Height: 22 metres
• Stages: Four-stage rocket
• Payload capacity:

1. Up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
2. Up to 260 kg in Sun-synchronous Orbit (SSO)

• Material: Carbon fibre composite structure.Structure: Carbon composite body.
• Technology: 3D-printed engines and an upper stage which can restart for accurate satellite delivery.

What was in the rocket?

Six payloads were flown in the maiden mission, such as commercial satellites, tech demonstrations and symbolic payloads.

1. SCOPE Satellite (Skyroot)

The technology demonstration satellite from Skyroot.

Used to validate spacecraft technologies and to collect flight data for future missions.

2. DCUBED Payload (Germany)

German space company DCUBED demonstrated their technology.

Tested deployable mechanisms on satellites in orbit.

3. Grahaa Space Payload (India)

Technology demonstration payload funded by Indian start-up company Grahaa Space.

Designed to test space technologies in orbit.

4. Cosmoserve Space Payload (India)

Experimental payload to validate technologies aboard a satellite.

5. Gold Rocket Sculpture

A mini rocket, made out of 18-karat gold, with micro-sized sculptures depicting scientists:

• Sir C. V. Raman
• Dr Vikram Sarabhai
• Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

6. Diamond Art Payload

A symbolic diamond Jewellery / Art payload showcasing opportunities for commercial launch of high-value science payloads to space. A symbolic diamond jewellery/art payload which demonstrates opportunities for commercial launch of high value science payloads.

 India aims at a space economy of ₹44 billion by 2033