Post by : Badri Ariffin

Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, on Saturday, marking a significant step in India's efforts to expand its presence in the global commercial space launch market.

The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 0635 GMT as part of its maiden orbital mission, named Mission Aagaman. The launch produced a plume of fire and smoke as Vikram-1 carried multiple customer payloads and in-orbit experiments into space.

Around 15 minutes after liftoff, the rocket successfully placed its payload into a 450-kilometre orbit, making India the third country to achieve orbital launch capability through private enterprise.

Launch Delayed Briefly Before Successful Liftoff

The mission was originally scheduled for 0600 GMT, but the launch was briefly put on hold before being rescheduled. After the delay, the rocket lifted off successfully and completed its planned mission.

Skyroot Aerospace confirmed the achievement in a statement, saying, "Mission Aagaman is a grand success."  

The company added, "This is a test flight. We will be doing a few of these before we move into routine commercial flights."

Mission Designed to Test Critical Rocket Systems

According to Skyroot Aerospace, the primary objective of Mission Aagaman was to validate the rocket's key systems during flight.

The mission tested the launch vehicle's propulsion, avionics, telemetry, guidance, navigation and control systems while collecting important flight data that will support future commercial launch missions.

Vikram-1 Features Advanced Launch Technologies

Standing approximately 22 metres tall, Vikram-1 is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kilograms into low-Earth orbit.

The launch vehicle uses three solid-fuel stages along with a liquid-fuel orbital adjustment module powered by a 3D-printed engine. Skyroot said these technologies are being flown for the first time in India.

The rocket carried several customer and experimental payloads from Indian and international organisations, including technology demonstration satellites and various in-orbit experiments.

Skyroot's Growth Since Its Founding

Founded in 2018, Skyroot Aerospace is part of a new generation of Indian private space companies that have attracted investment from global backers following the liberalisation of India's space sector.

Earlier this year, the company became the first Indian space-sector company to reach a $1 billion valuation.

Mission Aagaman follows Skyroot's Vikram-S mission in 2022, which became the first privately developed rocket to reach space from Indian soil through a suborbital flight.

India Expands Private Participation in the Space Sector

India opened its space sector to private investment in 2020, allowing private companies to develop rockets, satellites and launch services. These activities had previously been carried out mainly by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The successful Vikram-1 launch comes as competition in the global small satellite launch market continues to grow, with startups aiming to compete alongside established companies led by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Governments across Europe and Asia are also increasing support for domestic launch companies as demand for commercial and defence-related space services continues to rise.

The Indian government aims to increase the country's share of the global space economy from around $8 billion to $44 billion by 2033, with private companies expected to play a major role in achieving that target.

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