Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the maiden launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, as a “historic new frontier” in the country’s space journey. He said the mission reflects the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth while highlighting the impact of recent space sector reforms.

Developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the four-stage Vikram-1 rocket is scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11.30 am on Saturday as part of its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman.

PM Highlights Space Sector Reforms

In a post on X ahead of the launch, the Prime Minister said Vikram-1 was India’s first privately built orbital launch vehicle and had been designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services.

“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,” Modi wrote.

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

He said the mission demonstrated the capabilities of India’s young innovators and reflected how space sector reforms had opened new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Modi wished the Skyroot Aerospace team success and urged Indians, particularly young people, to follow the mission and support it using the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.

Former ISRO Chief Extends Support

Former Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman S Somanath also congratulated the Skyroot Aerospace team, describing the mission as a landmark moment for India’s private space industry.

He said the launch represented the emergence of India’s private rocket-building capability and reflected the transformation of the country’s space ecosystem through innovation, policy reforms and the foundation laid by ISRO.

Somanath added that every pioneering launch strengthens the country’s capabilities by creating knowledge, confidence and momentum for future missions, irrespective of the outcome.

Mission Aagaman to Test India’s First Private Orbital Rocket

Vikram-1 is the first orbital-class rocket developed by an Indian private company and the first privately built launch vehicle in the country to attempt to place satellites into orbit independently of a government-developed rocket programme.

The 24-metre launch vehicle has been built using a lightweight carbon-composite structure and is powered by three solid-fuel stages along with a liquid-fuel orbital adjustment module.

The mission is designed to deploy payloads weighing up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit with a 60-degree inclination. Among the payloads is a lab-grown “Diamond Lotus” developed by Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds.

Private Space Sector Sees Rapid Growth

Speaking to ANI, IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajesh Jothi said the mission reflected the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector following the space reforms introduced in 2020.

He said the number of Indian space startups had grown from around five or six to more than 400 after the reforms and the establishment of IN-SPACe in 2022.

Jothi said the success of Vikram-1 could significantly strengthen India’s position in the global small satellite launch market, noting that only a few countries currently operate similar launch vehicles.

Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Naga Bharath Daka said the company was established eight years ago to build affordable, reliable and on-demand launch services from India for satellite operators around the world.

He said the maiden launch marked the culmination of years of work by the company’s team and represented a historic milestone for India’s private space industry.

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