Skyroot Aerospace launches India's first private orbital rocket Vikram‑1

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram‑1 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, marking India's first privately built orbital launch. The 16‑minute flight placed the vehicle into low‑Earth orbit at an altitude of about 280 miles, carrying six payloads that included scientific instruments, a robotic arm for space‑debris removal, an Earth‑observation camera and a German satellite.

Among the payloads were two symbolic items that drew public attention: a lotus flower made from lab‑grown diamonds and a miniature gold rocket bearing micro‑sculptures of three renowned Indian scientists. The launch makes India the third country, after the United States and China, to have a private company capable of orbital launches. Skyroot plans to begin regular commercial operations next year, aiming to provide dedicated small‑lift launch services for global customers in sectors such as agriculture, disaster management and communications.