New Delhi, July 18: Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace is poised to achieve a significant milestone in India’s private space sector with the launch of its first orbital vehicle, Vikram-1, scheduled for Saturday.
The mission, named “Aagman,” is set to take place at 11:30 AM from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh.
With this test flight, India aims to enter the global private orbital launch market. Vikram-1, developed entirely by an Indian private company, is the country’s first privately manufactured orbital launch vehicle. This launch is regarded as a crucial step towards strengthening India’s commercial space capabilities.
Prior to the launch, Skyroot Aerospace confirmed that all necessary air and maritime permits for the mission have been secured. Restricted air and sea zones have also been notified in accordance with the rocket’s flight path and potential impact area.
Mission “Aagman” will be Skyroot Aerospace’s second space mission following the successful launch of the Vikram-S suborbital rocket on November 18, 2022.
A handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featuring the message “Vande Mataram,” will accompany the Vikram-1 launch vehicle. According to Skyroot Aerospace, this handwritten message will be one of the special payloads included in the test flight.
The company has also stated that handwritten messages from team members, investors, policymakers, and well-wishers from around the world will be part of the mission. Describing it as a “celebration shared by many hands and millions,” the company noted that these mementos symbolize collective support and aspirations for India’s emerging private space ecosystem.
According to the company, these symbolic payloads reflect the shared vision and collaborative efforts that have contributed to shaping a new era of space exploration and innovation in India.
Skyroot Aerospace believes that the successful launch of Vikram-1 will showcase the technical capabilities of India’s private space companies on a global scale and pave the way for new opportunities in the commercial satellite launch market.
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