“India Makes Space History! Vikram-1 Successfully Reaches Orbit”
- pradeep
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
India achieved a historic milestone in its space journey as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18 as part of Mission Aagaman, marking the first time an Indian private company developed and launched a rocket capable of placing payloads into orbit. (Reuters)
Payloads Placed in Low-Earth Orbit
Vikram-1 reportedly carried six payloads, including two satellites and technology-demonstration payloads belonging to Indian and international organisations.
The rocket successfully inserted the payloads into a low-Earth orbit approximately 450 kilometres above the Earth, completing the mission around 15 minutes after liftoff. (Reuters)
Successful Maiden Orbital Attempt
The mission was especially significant because Vikram-1 completed its maiden orbital launch successfully on its first attempt.
The launch experienced a delay of around 35 minutes after the automatic launch sequence was briefly halted shortly before liftoff. The issue was resolved, and the mission subsequently proceeded successfully. (The Times of India)
About Vikram-1
Vikram-1 is a multi-stage, approximately 22-metre-tall rocket designed to carry small satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The vehicle uses a combination of solid- and liquid-fuel propulsion systems and includes a 3D-printed rocket engine. It has been developed to cater to the growing global demand for flexible and cost-effective small-satellite launches. (Reuters)
Major Boost for India’s Private Space Sector
The achievement represents a defining moment for India’s expanding private space industry, which gained momentum after the government opened the sector to greater private participation in 2020.
The successful mission places India among a small group of countries where a private enterprise has developed orbital launch capability. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Congratulates Skyroot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot Aerospace team and described the mission as an important milestone for India’s space ambitions.
Vikram-1 also reportedly carried a handwritten postcard from the Prime Minister bearing the message “Vande Mataram.”
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