On July 18, 2026, Skyroot Aerospace launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, the Vikram-1, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This launch, part of 'Mission Aagaman', successfully placed its payload into a 450 km orbit approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. The mission is crucial for validating various rocket systems and collecting data for future commercial launches.
Skyroot, founded in 2018 and recently valued at $1 billion, is part of a new wave of Indian space startups that have emerged since the government's 2020 policy shift allowing private investment in the space sector. The Vikram-1 rocket, standing 22 meters tall and capable of carrying up to 350 kg, utilizes innovative technologies including a 3D-printed engine.
This launch comes amid increasing global competition in the small satellite launch market, particularly against established players like SpaceX. The Indian government aims to significantly boost the country's share of the global space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, to $44 billion by 2033, leveraging private companies to enhance its competitive edge