India achieved a historic milestone on Saturday after Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 successfully completed its maiden orbital mission, making the country the third nation in the world to demonstrate a private orbital launch capability.

The successful launch marks a significant step forward for India's growing private space industry and strengthens the country's ambitions to become a major player in the global commercial space market.

Vikram-1 Successfully Places Payloads into Orbit

Launched at 12:10 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the Vikram-1 rocket deployed four technology demonstration payloads into a 450-kilometre Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an orbital inclination of 60 degrees.

The mission, named Mission Aagman, demonstrated the rocket's ability to accurately deliver payloads into orbit and validated several critical technologies for future commercial launches.

Skyroot Creates History

Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Chandana described the mission as a landmark achievement for India's private space ecosystem.

He said the successful launch reflects years of research, engineering and innovation by the company's team and establishes India among the few nations capable of private orbital launches.

Founded by  ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, the Hyderabad-based startup has become a pioneer in India's commercial space sector.

Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot team after the successful launch, calling it a defining moment in India's space journey.

He said the achievement highlights the growing role of the private sector in space exploration and demonstrates how India's space reforms are encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

The Prime Minister also said the success would inspire young innovators and strengthen India's position in the global space industry.

Advanced Indigenous Rocket

Standing nearly as tall as a seven-storey building, Vikram-1 is designed to carry satellites weighing up to 350 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit.

The launch vehicle features an all-carbon composite structure, 3D-printed engines, and high-thrust solid-fuel boosters, with the company stating that the rocket was entirely designed and manufactured in India.

The mission collected valuable data on propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation and vehicle performance to support future commercial launches.

Read more: PM Modi’s VivaTech Visit Highlights India’s Growing Global Technology Influence

Boost for India's Space Economy

The successful mission comes as India aims to significantly expand its presence in the global space industry.

With the worldwide space economy estimated at nearly 600 billion dollars, India is targeting growth from its current 8 billion-dollar market to around 44 billion dollars by 2032.

The payloads included satellites and technology demonstrations developed by Indian startups and international partners, highlighting increasing global confidence in India's private space capabilities.