Hyderabad Startup Skyroot Aerospace to Launch India's First Private Rocket Vikram-1

Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace is scheduled to make history on July 18, 2026, with the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. Named 'Mission Aagaman', the historic launch is scheduled for lift-off at 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This launch is widely seen as a major milestone for India's rapidly expanding private space sector. Developed entirely by the Hyderabad startup, the Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket designed specifically to provide rapid and on-demand launch services to the global market.

Ahead of the scheduled lift-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the maiden orbital launch. In a public message, the Prime Minister described the development of Vikram-1 as a "historic new frontier" in India's space journey. He added that the achievement is a clear reflection of the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth.

As part of the historic flight, the Vikram-1 rocket will carry a special message into space. The message, which reads "Vande Mataram", is printed on a commemorative card from Prime Minister Modi. Along with this official message, the launch vehicle will also carry hundreds of cards containing wishes and aspirations collected from people around the world.

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr. S. Somanath also extended his best wishes to the Skyroot Aerospace team ahead of the lift-off. Somanath called the test launch of Mission Aagaman a significant milestone for India's growing private space sector. He emphasized that the event is far more than just a maiden orbital flight of a rocket, stating that it marks the arrival of India's private rocket-building capability.