India News | Skyroot's Rocket Underlines India's Private Space Endeavor After Maiden Launch of Vikram 1 on July 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on their maiden launch
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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. This mission highlights the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. It also shows how our space-sector reforms are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.

Udaipur, July 18, 2026 | India Space News: Vikram-1 set the pace for India's private space enterprise, after it successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota today, on July 18 at 12:05pm. Designed and manufactured by Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram 1 became India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket to take flight from India. The launch was dubbed Mission Aagaman. It was delayed by 35 minutes and the parent company cited a 'planned hold' due to apparent navigation issues caused by a cloudy day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier in the day, had invited youngsters to witness the launch and dubbed the event as a historic milestone. He said that the launch of Vikram-1 marks the opening of a new frontier for India's space ambitions and reflects the country's growing capabilities in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. He added that this mission highlights the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. It also shows how our space-sector reforms are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.

Vikram 1 is a four stage rocket designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services.