Vikram-1: India’s First Private Orbital Rocket

Skyroot Aerospace has announced the maiden launch of Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman, scheduled between 12 July and 4 August 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The mission marks a historic milestone as India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, reflecting the growing role of private companies in the country’s space programme.

What is Vikram-1?

Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, built by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space-tech startup founded by former ISRO scientists. Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, the rocket is designed to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), catering to the rapidly expanding commercial satellite market.

Mission Aagaman

The maiden launch of Vikram-1 has been named Mission Aagaman, where Aagaman means “arrival” in Sanskrit. The mission symbolizes the arrival of India’s private sector into the field of orbital space launches. It aims to validate indigenous launch vehicle technologies and establish Skyroot Aerospace as a commercial launch service provider.

Key Features of Vikram-1

Vikram-1 is a four-stage orbital launch vehicle built using an all-carbon composite structure, making it lightweight yet strong. 

• The first three stages are powered by solid-fuel rocket motors, while the fourth stage uses Raman hypergolic liquid engines for precise orbital insertion. 
• The rocket also incorporates 3D-printed engine components, reducing manufacturing time and cost while enabling rapid production and frequent launches.

Technical Specifications

The rocket is capable of carrying a payload of up to 350 kg to a 450 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with an orbital inclination of 60°. It will be launched from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, demonstrating India’s capability to support private orbital launch missions.

Propulsion System

Vikram-1 uses a four-stage propulsion system. 

• The first three stages are powered by Kalam-series solid rocket motors, providing the thrust required during launch and ascent. 
• The final stage is equipped with four Raman hypergolic engines, which use Monomethyl Hydrazine (MMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (NTO) as the oxidiser. 
• Since hypergolic propellants ignite automatically upon contact, they ensure reliable ignition and precise placement of satellites into orbit.

Evolution of the Vikram Programme

Skyroot’s launch vehicle programme began with Vikram-S, India’s first private sub-orbital rocket, successfully launched in Mission Prarambh (2022). Building on this achievement, Vikram-1 represents the next stage of development as India’s first private rocket capable of placing satellites into orbit, showcasing the rapid progress of the country’s private space industry.

Significance

• Vikram-1 marks a major milestone in India’s space sector by demonstrating that private companies can independently develop and launch orbital rockets. 
• It strengthens India’s position in the global small satellite launch market, promotes indigenous technological capabilities, and supports the government’s vision of expanding the Indian space economy. 
• The mission also highlights the success of space sector reforms, encouraging innovation, investment, and greater private participation in space exploration and commercial launches.

Institutions Involved

Skyroot Aerospace is the developer of Vikram-1, while ISRO provides technical support and launch infrastructure. IN-SPACe facilitates and regulates private participation in the Indian space sector, and the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota serves as the launch site for the mission.