In a landmark achievement for India's space sector, Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The maiden orbital test flight, named Mission Aagaman, lifted off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone for private space exploration in the country.
Following the successful launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Chandana and Bharat Daka during a phone call. The Prime Minister lauded their efforts, stating, "Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, you have not only planted a new tree in space, but a new root has also been strengthened on the ground to inspire the new generation."
India Becomes Third Nation with Private Orbital Launch Capability
The successful mission propels India into an exclusive group, making it only the third country globally, after the United States and China, to have a private entity capable of executing orbital launches. This accomplishment is expected to inspire a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship within the nation's burgeoning space industry.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the mission, revealing that he closely tracked the launch. He emphasized that Skyroot's achievement would motivate more young Indians to pursue careers in science and technology. During the conversation, Modi also shared that he sent a postcard into space aboard Vikram-1, inscribed with "Vande Mataram," to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's national song in 2026.
Vindication of Private Sector Trust
Recalling initial skepticism surrounding the government's decision to open India's space sector to private players, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the Vikram-1's success had vindicated this bold policy. He noted, "There were a lot of concerns that were raised when the idea of opening up the space sector to the private ecosystem was first brought to me. Now my team will also have to agree that India's youngsters are to be trusted."
The Prime Minister further extended an invitation to the Skyroot team for an in-person meeting, reiterating his government's unwavering support for the advancement and growth of India's space sector.