Skyroot Aerospace launches Vikram-1 rocket

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Center. The rocket reached a 450 km orbit, deploying multiple payloads including Skyroot's SCOPE satellite, DCUBED's technology demonstration payload, Grahaa Space's SOLARAS S3 satellite, and BioServe Space Technologies's Embrace robotic arm for debris capture. The launch marks India as the third country with private orbital launch capability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievement, highlighting the young team's average age of 28, and took a veiled jab at opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. The event underscores the success of India's space reforms, including the Indian Space Policy 2023, which has spurred growth from one space startup in 2014 to over 400 in 2026. The space economy, valued at $8.4 billion, is projected to reach $40-45 billion by 2030. IN-SPACe has facilitated $150 million in investments and numerous technology transfers. The launch also coincides with the monsoon session of Parliament, where several bills were introduced.