Vikram-1: India Launches Its First Private-Sector Orbital Rocket
On 18 July 2026, Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The debut flight was named "Aagaman" (Sanskrit for "Arrival"). With this, India becomes the third nation — after the United States and China — with private-sector orbital launch capability. The rocket placed its payload into a ~450 km orbit about 15 minutes after lift-off. Vikram-1 is a four-stage, seven-storey-tall small-satellite launch vehicle carrying about 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), using three solid-fuel stages plus a liquid-fuel orbital adjustment module powered by a 3D-printed engine. Skyroot, founded in 2018, earlier in 2026 became India's first space-sector company to reach a $1 billion valuation.
Skyroot founders: Pawan Kumar Chandana & Naga Bharath Daka | First private sub-orbital rocket: Vikram-S (Mission Prarambh, Nov 2022) | ISRO Chairman: V. Narayanan | IN-SPACe regulates private space activity, HQ Ahmedabad
Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1 from Sriharikota on 18 July 2026, making India the third country (after the US and China) with private orbital launch capability; mission named "Aagaman."