In a monumental leap for India’s commercial space sector, Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 on July 18, 2026. Lifting off from ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport, the historic "Mission Aagaman" marks the debut of India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, making India only the third country globally to achieve private orbital launch capabilities.

Named after space pioneer Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the 24-meter-tall rocket features an ultra-lightweight, all-carbon composite body and advanced 3D-printed engines. Engineered for the booming global small-satellite market, it can deploy up to 350 kg payloads into Low Earth Orbit.

During its 17-minute maiden flight, Vikram-1 flawlessly deployed multiple domestic and international payloads, including a debris-clearing robotic arm, nanosatellites, and symbolic cultural artifacts. Backed by the Indian Space Policy and IN-SPACe, this milestone opens a rapid, cost-effective new era for global commercial space access.