Vikram-1
'A historic new frontier': PM Modi hails India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 launch
New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called the launch of India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 "a historic new frontier" for the country's space journey.
The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, heralding a new chapter in India's space exploration journey.
In an X post, the Prime Minister wrote, "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."
"My best wishes to the entire Skyroot Aerospace team for a successful launch. May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators.
"I urge all Indians, especially my young friends, to follow this historic mission and join in wishing Team Skyroot success using #IndiaWithVikram1."
A historic new frontier for India’s space journey!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026
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.… pic.twitter.com/1qFVTwNOuZ
Rocket named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
The launch vehicle has been named Vikram-1 in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Space Programme.
The rocket has been developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, one of India's leading private space technology companies.
Private sector driving India's space ambitions
The launch comes as India's space sector witnesses unprecedented private participation following the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which opened the entire space value chain to private players.
The policy has encouraged innovation, investment and entrepreneurship across the space ecosystem, enabling Indian companies to participate in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space applications and downstream services.
India's space startup ecosystem expands rapidly
India's private space ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade.
The number of space startups has surged from just one in 2014 to more than 400 in 2026, reflecting the rapid expansion of private participation and technological innovation in the sector.
A multi-billion-dollar growth story
India's space economy is currently valued at around USD 8.4 billion and is projected to grow nearly five-fold to USD 40–45 billion by 2030.
The long-term vision is to expand the sector further to USD 100 billion by 2040, positioning India as a major global player in the commercial space industry.
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