IBNS-CMEDIA: A day after scripting history with the successful launch of India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, startup Skyroot Aerospace on Sunday described reaching orbit on its very first attempt as an “incredibly rare feat globally.”
Sharing a video of the landmark mission on X, the company wrote: “Reliving the launch—from lift-off to satellite separation. Reaching orbit on the very first attempt of a new launch vehicle is an incredibly rare feat globally.”
Exactly 24 hours ago, a rocket lifted off.
Today, a billion+ dreams have taken flight. 🇮🇳🚀Reliving the launch—from lift-off to satellite separation. Reaching orbit on the very first attempt of a new launch vehicle is an incredibly rare feat globally.
The world now has a new… pic.twitter.com/cotRAkghox
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 19, 2026
It added: “The world now has a new launch vehicle. From India, for the world.”
Vikram-1 was successfully launched on Saturday under Mission Aagaman, marking a defining moment for India’s rapidly expanding private space sector.
The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, opening a new chapter in the country’s space exploration journey and showcasing the growing capabilities of India’s private aerospace industry.
ISRO hails landmark achievement
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on the successful mission, calling it a significant milestone for India’s private space ecosystem.
In a post on X, ISRO said: “Congratulations to the entire Skyroot Aerospace Team on the successful launch of Vikram-1 (Mission Aagaman) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.”
Thank you for the generous words. 🚀 Seeing Vikram-1 reach orbit from Sriharikota is a proud moment for Team Skyroot, and a meaningful one for India’s private space sector. We’re deeply grateful to IN-SPACe and ISRO for their support through the launch and testing operations, and… https://t.co/0diPjMZmiz
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 18, 2026
The space agency noted that the mission reflects the growing strength of India’s space ecosystem and acknowledged the contributions of IN-SPACe and ISRO teams in enabling the launch.
“Congratulations to IN-SPACe and ISRO teams, who enabled and facilitated the launch and ground testing operations along with technical consultancy and 24×7 safety surveillance,” ISRO added.
Rajamouli praises ‘young India’
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli also celebrated the achievement, highlighting the youthful team behind the mission.
“From India to orbit! @SkyrootA has scripted history with VIKRAM-1, India’s first private rocket to reach orbit, built by a Hyderabad-based team whose average age is just 28. This is what young India is capable of. Immensely proud. Congratulations to the whole team. Jai,” he posted on X.
Responding to Rajamouli’s message, Skyroot said: “This means so much to us, @ssrajamouli sir. To have someone who’s inspired a generation to dream on an epic scale celebrate Vikram-1 reaching orbit gives our team a real glow. Grateful for your words, and for rooting for India’s space story.”
Private sector powering India’s space ambitions
The successful launch comes as India’s space sector undergoes a major transformation following the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which opened the entire space value chain to private participation.
The policy has accelerated innovation, investment and entrepreneurship, allowing private companies to play a larger role in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space applications and downstream services.
India’s space startup ecosystem grows rapidly
India’s private space ecosystem has expanded dramatically over the past decade.
The number of space startups has grown from just one in 2014 to more than 400 in 2026, underscoring the rapid pace of technological innovation and private-sector participation.
A multi-billion-dollar opportunity
India’s space economy is currently valued at approximately USD 8.4 billion and is projected to grow nearly fivefold to USD 40–45 billion by 2030.
The country’s long-term vision is to expand the sector further to USD 100 billion by 2040, cementing India’s position as a leading force in the global commercial space industry.
PM Modi: ‘A historic new frontier’
Describing the mission as “a historic new frontier for India’s space journey,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot team and urged citizens to celebrate the achievement.
“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,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
He also urged Indians, especially young people, to follow the mission and extend their support using the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.
