As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, the country is also marking a major milestone in its space exploration journey. India has now entered a new phase, with its private space sector making its mark in orbital missions.&nbsp;Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 Test Flight 1 successfully reached orbit on July 18, 2026, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket was built by a team of young Indian engineers with an average age of 28.&nbsp;On its maiden orbital mission, Vikram 1 successfully reached a Low Earth Orbit of about 450 kilometres and deployed its payloads. With this achievement, Skyroot became the first Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit.&nbsp;But India's space journey began with far more humble beginnings.<h2>From bicycles to India's first rocket</h2>In 1962, under the patronage of Vikram Sarabhai and physicist Kalpathi Ramakrishna Ramanathan, the Indian National Committee for Space Research, or INCOSPAR, was established. It marked a pivotal moment in India's space exploration journey.&nbsp;Just a year later, in 1963, India made its debut in space exploration with the launch of its first rocket. The sounding rocket was designed for upper atmospheric studies and was launched from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in the fishing village of Thumba, Kerala. The site is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.&nbsp;Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was part of the rocket launch team at the time, later recounted the enormous efforts required to prepare for the historic launch. INCOSPAR had to negotiate the acquisition of land from a local church and resettle villagers before preparations could begin.&nbsp;The team also faced basic logistical challenges. Rocket components were initially transported to the launch pad using bicycles.&nbsp;All these efforts culminated on November 21, 1963, when India successfully launched the rocket in the presence of several distinguished scientists, including Dr Homi Bhabha.<h2>Building India's space programme</h2>India's space programme gradually expanded from its early years under INCOSPAR. The organisation later paved the way for the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, in 1969.From INCOSPAR in 1962 to ISRO in 1969, India's space programme continued to live up to its motto of "reaching for the stars".&nbsp;Visionaries such as Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme, and Satish Dhawan played a key role in shaping the country's space programme.&nbsp;India's journey produced several major milestones, beginning with Aryabhata in 1975 and eventually transforming the country into a major global space technology player.&nbsp;Soviet partnership and the rise of PSLV&nbsp;Collaboration with the erstwhile Soviet Union also played an important role in India's early space programme. This partnership began with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India's first satellite, using a Soviet Kosmos 3M rocket. The Soviet Union also provided training to Indian scientists in satellite communications and mission operations during the 1960s and 1970s.&nbsp;A major leap came in the 1990s with the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV.&nbsp;Despite an initial setback in 1994 and a couple of partial failures later, the PSLV went on to achieve a streak of more than 50 successful missions.<h2>From Aryabhata to the Moon and Mars</h2>In 1996, India approved its first astronomical satellite, two decades after Sarabhai's death. The satellite was eventually launched in 2015, marking another milestone in India's space programme.&nbsp;India also turned its focus towards lunar exploration in the early 2000s. By 2003, the Chandrayaan project had been officially named.&nbsp;Chandrayaan 1, launched in 2008, marked a critical stage in India's space programme and helped move the country's lunar ambitions forward. The Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013, further demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space exploration and brought global recognition to the country's space programme.&nbsp;However, the Chandrayaan missions remain among India's most significant space achievements. In 2009, Chandrayaan 1 detected water ice on the Moon.&nbsp;Then, on August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 created history by becoming the first spacecraft to successfully land near the Moon's unexplored South Pole. The historic achievement is now commemorated as National Space Day.<h2>A new chapter with private space companies</h2>From transporting rocket components on bicycles to successfully landing a spacecraft near the Moon's South Pole, India's space programme has travelled a remarkable distance.&nbsp;The successful orbital mission of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 now marks another important chapter in that journey. India's space story, which began with a small sounding rocket in Thumba, has expanded into a growing ecosystem involving both the country's national space agency and private space companies.

India's space journey has evolved from transporting rocket parts on bicycles and launching its first sounding rocket at Thumba to major lunar and Mars missions and the successful orbital flight of the private rocket Vikram 1.

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, the country is also marking a major milestone in its space exploration journey. India has now entered a new phase, with its private space sector making its mark in orbital missions. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 Test Flight 1 successfully reached orbit on July 18, 2026, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket was built by a team of young Indian engineers with an average age of 28. On its maiden orbital mission, Vikram 1 successfully reached a Low Earth Orbit of about 450 kilometres and deployed its payloads. With this achievement, Skyroot became the first Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit. But India's space journey began with far more humble beginnings. From bicycles to India's first rocket In 1962, under the patronage of Vikram Sarabhai and physicist Kalpathi Ramakrishna Ramanathan, the Indian National Committee for Space Research, or INCOSPAR, was established. It marked a pivotal moment in India's space exploration journey. Just a year later, in 1963, India made its debut in space exploration with the launch of its first rocket. The sounding rocket was designed for upper atmospheric studies and was launched from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in the fishing village of Thumba, Kerala. The site is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was part of the rocket launch team at the time, later recounted the enormous efforts required to prepare for the historic launch. INCOSPAR had to negotiate the acquisition of land from a local church and resettle villagers before preparations could begin. The team also faced basic logistical challenges. Rocket components were initially transported to the launch pad using bicycles. All these efforts culminated on November 21, 1963, when India successfully launched the rocket in the presence of several distinguished scientists, including Dr Homi Bhabha. Building India's space programme India's space programme gradually expanded from its early years under INCOSPAR. The organisation later paved the way for the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, in 1969. From INCOSPAR in 1962 to ISRO in 1969, India's space programme continued to live up to its motto of "reaching for the stars". Visionaries such as Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme, and Satish Dhawan played a key role in shaping the country's space programme. India's journey produced several major milestones, beginning with Aryabhata in 1975 and eventually transforming the country into a major global space technology player. Soviet partnership and the rise of PSLV Collaboration with the erstwhile Soviet Union also played an important role in India's early space programme. This partnership began with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India's first satellite, using a Soviet Kosmos 3M rocket. The Soviet Union also provided training to Indian scientists in satellite communications and mission operations during the 1960s and 1970s. A major leap came in the 1990s with the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV. Despite an initial setback in 1994 and a couple of partial failures later, the PSLV went on to achieve a streak of more than 50 successful missions. From Aryabhata to the Moon and Mars In 1996, India approved its first astronomical satellite, two decades after Sarabhai's death. The satellite was eventually launched in 2015, marking another milestone in India's space programme. India also turned its focus towards lunar exploration in the early 2000s. By 2003, the Chandrayaan project had been officially named. Chandrayaan 1, launched in 2008, marked a critical stage in India's space programme and helped move the country's lunar ambitions forward. The Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013, further demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space exploration and brought global recognition to the country's space programme. However, the Chandrayaan missions remain among India's most significant space achievements. In 2009, Chandrayaan 1 detected water ice on the Moon. Then, on August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 created history by becoming the first spacecraft to successfully land near the Moon's unexplored South Pole. The historic achievement is now commemorated as National Space Day. A new chapter with private space companies From transporting rocket components on bicycles to successfully landing a spacecraft near the Moon's South Pole, India's space programme has travelled a remarkable distance. The successful orbital mission of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 now marks another important chapter in that journey. India's space story, which began with a small sounding rocket in Thumba, has expanded into a growing ecosystem involving both the country's national space agency and private space companies.

India's space journey has evolved from transporting rocket parts on bicycles and launching its first sounding rocket at Thumba to major lunar and Mars missions and the successful orbital flight of the private rocket Vikram 1.

India @ 80: From carrying rockets on bicycles to first private satellite launch, India's space journey

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (Jul 31) praised Hyderabad-based space startup TakeMe2Space after its PowerBank-50 became India's first indigenously developed satellite battery to earn the coveted 'flight heritage' status.Sharing the development on X, Sitharaman wrote: "Brilliant!" while highlighting that Indian satellite manufacturers had long depended on imported battery systems. "Until now, Indian satellite builders mostly had to import this critical component at high cost and long waiting times."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Brilliant! “Until now, Indian satellite builders mostly had to import this critical component at high cost and long waiting times.” TakeMe2Space&#39;s PowerBank-50 becomes first India-made satellite battery.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AtmaNirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmaNirbharBharat</a> <a href="https://t.co/IJ69cUPZ8E">https://t.co/IJ69cUPZ8E</a>&mdash; Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://x.com/nsitharaman/status/2083008391816085539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The recognition comes after the battery pack completed its maiden mission aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket during Mission Aagaman, which was launched on July 18.The mission marked another milestone for India's private space sector as Vikram-1 became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit, making India only the third country, after the United States and China, where a private company has achieved orbital launch capability.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-gps-has-a-satellite-problem-government-says-navic-no-longer-working-all-you-need-to-know-1785397313963">India's GPS has a satellite problem: Government says NavIC no longer working. All you need to know</a><h2>What 'flight heritage' means</h2>Onboard Vikram-1, a single PowerBank-50 unit supplied power to Cosmoserve Space's experimental payload mounted on the rocket's Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM) at an altitude of 450 km. According to the company, the battery performed as designed despite enduring launch vibrations and the harsh conditions of space, including vacuum, radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations.The successful mission gives the battery "flight heritage", a key certification in the satellite industry that proves a component has operated successfully in space."Every satellite mission lives or dies by its power system, which is why nobody wants to be the first to fly a new battery," said Ronak Kumar Samantray, founder and CEO of TakeMe2Space."Flying on the first private Indian rocket to reach orbit, and performing flawlessly at 450 km, is the strongest validation a product can earn. PowerBank-50 is now space proven, made in India, and ready for every satellite builder in the world."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-marriage-still-exists-in-india-in-2026-ncw-sets-2030-deadline-to-end-it-1785485550409">Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it</a><h2>Why the milestone matters</h2>In the satellite industry, components without flight heritage often struggle to find customers because satellite operators, launch providers and insurers prefer systems that have already been tested in orbit.The hurdle is especially high for batteries, which must survive violent launch conditions before reliably powering spacecraft through repeated cycles of sunlight and darkness in space.TakeMe2Space said the mission validated the battery's high-energy-density lithium-ion cells, intelligent battery management system, onboard heaters and aluminium flight enclosure, elevating it from a ground-qualified product to one proven in orbit.<h2>Cheaper satellites, wider benefits</h2>The company says PowerBank-50 stores more than 50 watt-hours of energy in a unit weighing just 380 grams, roughly the size of a paperback book. It can power everything from CubeSats to microsatellites, offers an operational life of up to five years in low-Earth orbit, and is available off the shelf for ₹1,04,900, significantly cheaper than comparable imported battery packs.Until now, Indian satellite developers largely relied on imported battery systems that were expensive and often involved long procurement timelines. Notably, an affordable, flight-proven battery made in India could lower the cost of satellite missions for startups, universities and research institutions, ultimately enabling more satellites for applications such as weather forecasting, disaster warnings, agriculture, navigation, communications and Earth observation. &nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has hailed the development of PowerBank-50, described as India's first indigenously developed satellite battery by space startup TakeMe2Space. The breakthrough could reduce dependence on expensive imported battery systems.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (Jul 31) praised Hyderabad-based space startup TakeMe2Space after its PowerBank-50 became India's first indigenously developed satellite battery to earn the coveted 'flight heritage' status. Sharing the development on X, Sitharaman wrote: "Brilliant!" while highlighting that Indian satellite manufacturers had long depended on imported battery systems. "Until now, Indian satellite builders mostly had to import this critical component at high cost and long waiting times."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has hailed the development of PowerBank-50, described as India's first indigenously developed satellite battery by space startup TakeMe2Space. The breakthrough could reduce dependence on expensive imported battery systems.

India builds its first homegrown satellite battery; Nirmala Sitharaman celebrates breakthrough

As Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, making history by developing India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled the team to join the celebrations, lauding the historic feat as a pivotal step in India's space journey, now powered by private players.&nbsp;"You have made India proud," the prime minister told Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.&nbsp;Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket.&nbsp;Modi asserted that this landmark achievement would strengthen the country's space ambitions and inspire a whole new generation of innovators. "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."&nbsp;Expressing his desire to be with the young team during the launch, PM Modi revealed that he had been closely tracking the mission.&nbsp;"I wanted to be there with the young team. I was closely tracking the launch and congratulate your entire team on this remarkable success. It was truly heartening to see that most of your team members are just 25 to 30 years old. That made me especially happy," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Adding a personal touch to the mission, Vikram-1 carried one of its most symbolic payloads -- a handwritten postcard by PM Modi bearing the words "Vande Mataram." The message travelled alongside dozens of handwritten postcards from Skyroot employees, investors, policymakers, scientists and well-wishers from around the world.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-first-private-orbital-rocket-vikram-1-successfully-lifts-off-from-sriharikota-1784360535292">India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully lifts off from Sriharikota; PM Modi congratulates</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> makes a telephonic call to team <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Vikram1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikram1</a> (Skyroot Aerospace) for the successful launch of 🇮🇳India’s first private orbital rocket under <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MissionAagaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAagaman</a>.<a href="https://x.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>। <a href="https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a>। <a href="https://x.com/moesgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moesgoi</a>। <a href="https://x.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> ।<a href="https://x.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a>। <a href="https://x.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> । <a href="https://x.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a> <a href="https://t.co/oCIHPlaEIr">pic.twitter.com/oCIHPlaEIr</a>&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2078379971761045947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, in a post on X, PM Modi described the successful launch of Vikram-1 as a "defining moment" in India's space journey.&nbsp;"This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation.&nbsp;This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly," he said in a post on X.&nbsp;External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also hailed the successful launch of Vikram-1, calling it a historic moment for India's space sector.&nbsp;In a post on X, Jaishankar said the launch of "India's first privately developed launch vehicle" by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace was "truly historic".&nbsp;"India's space ambitions soar to new heights! The successful launch of #Vikram1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle, by #SkyrootAerospace @SkyrootA today is truly historic. The rocket is a reflection of what can be achieved when the innovation and entrepreneurial drive of India's youth are backed by the bold reforms of PM @narendramodi's vision," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after the successful Vikram-1 launch, calling India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket a defining milestone in the country's space journey.

As Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, making history by developing India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled the team to join the celebrations, lauding the historic feat as a pivotal step in India's space journey, now powered by private players. "You have made India proud," the prime minister told Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Modi asserted that this landmark achievement would strengthen the country's space ambitions and inspire a whole new generation of innovators. "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." Expressing his desire to be with the young team during the launch, PM Modi revealed that he had been closely tracking the mission. "I wanted to be there with the young team. I was closely tracking the launch and congratulate your entire team on this remarkable success. It was truly heartening to see that most of your team members are just 25 to 30 years old. That made me especially happy," PM Modi said. Adding a personal touch to the mission, Vikram-1 carried one of its most symbolic payloads -- a handwritten postcard by PM Modi bearing the words "Vande Mataram." The message travelled alongside dozens of handwritten postcards from Skyroot employees, investors, policymakers, scientists and well-wishers from around the world. Also Read: India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully lifts off from Sriharikota; PM Modi congratulates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after the successful Vikram-1 launch, calling India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket a defining milestone in the country's space journey.

Watch | PM Modi dials Skyroot founders after successful Vikram-1 launch; here's what he told them

India has created history as Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The landmark mission marks a major milestone for India's rapidly growing private space sector. Developed by former ISRO scientists, Vikram-1 successfully progressed through multiple flight stages, crossed the 100 km Kármán Line, ignited all stages as planned, and moved toward deploying its payloads into orbit. The mission demonstrates India's expanding capabilities in commercial space launches and opens new opportunities for startups, universities, and global satellite customers.

Vikram-1 launch success: India’s first private rocket reaches space | skyroot creates history

India has scripted history as Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 successfully completed its landmark mission, becoming the country's first privately developed orbital rocket to reach space from Indian soil. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the mission marks a defining moment for India's rapidly expanding private space ecosystem.

Historic moment! India's first private rocket Vikram-1 takes off into space | Skyroot launch

Named "Mission Aagaman" (Sanskrit for "Arrival"), this test flight marks the first time an Indian private company will attempt to place satellites into orbit using a launch vehicle designed and built entirely in the private sector.  


Vikram-1 set for historic maiden launch from Sriharikota 

Named "Mission Aagaman" (Sanskrit for "Arrival"), this test flight marks the first time an Indian private company will attempt to place satellites into orbit using a launch vehicle designed and built entirely in the private sector.  

Vikram-`1 set for maiden launch from Sriharikota

As India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, stands ready on the launch pad at Sriharikota, the milestone carries more than just Indian ingenuity. It shows a deepening partnership with Singapore, whose sovereign wealth funds have provided critical financial muscle to propel the Hyderabad-based startup into the global small-satellite launch market. Scheduled to launch soon for its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman ("Arrival"), the Vikram-1 aims to place payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450 km low Earth orbit at 60 degrees inclination. The four-stage, carbon-composite rocket, named after India's space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, features indigenously developed 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. Success would mark the first time a privately built Indian vehicle has reached orbit, opening doors for cost-effective, dedicated launches. Singapore's role is pivotal. Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's sovereign wealth fund managing national reserves, co-led a funding round that elevated Skyroot's valuation. Earlier backing from Temasek, a Singaporean state-owned multinational investment firm, further bolstered the company. These investments reflect Singapore's calculated push into high-growth frontier technologies, positioning the city-state as among the key financiers in India's burgeoning private space sector.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Singapore-India ties are reaching for the stars! 🚀 Backed by GIC &amp; <a href="https://x.com/Temasek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Temasek</a>, <a href="https://x.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a> is set to make India’s first private orbital launch. Praying for <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Vikram1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikram1</a>&#39;s success! 🙏 HC Wong<a href="https://x.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://x.com/INSPACeIND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INSPACeIND</a> <a href="https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> <a href="https://x.com/PawanKChandana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawanKChandana</a> <a href="https://x.com/bharathdaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bharathdaka</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MissionAagaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAagaman</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SpaceTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceTech</a> <a href="https://t.co/h70XywFaYo">pic.twitter.com/h70XywFaYo</a>&mdash; Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://x.com/SGinIndia/status/2077957745006063822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong captured the sentiment ahead of the launch, offering a special prayer and declaring, "Singapore-India ties are reaching for the stars!". Space has long been a cornerstone of India-Singapore science and technology cooperation. ISRO launched more than 20 Singaporean satellites, making Singapore one of ISRO's top foreign customers.&nbsp; In September 2025, during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Delhi, the two nations signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding on space collaboration. Witnessed by PMs Modi and Wong, the agreement between India's IN-SPACe and Singapore's Office for Space Technology &amp; Industry (OSTIn) promotes joint work in policy, industry development, research, Earth observation, and satellite communications.&nbsp; "We will expand cooperation in frontier areas like space," PM Wong declared. "Through the MOU... we will broaden this partnership and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together." For Skyroot, founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the launch represents validation after suborbital successes. The company eyes frequent, affordable missions to serve global demand for small-satellite rideshares.&nbsp; Singapore's involvement, from funding to future potential satellite launches, highlights pragmatic synergy: India's launch expertise and talent pool paired with Singapore's capital, and innovation ecosystem. As the countdown proceeds at Sriharikota, Vikram-1 embodies more than a technical feat - it is the arrival of private enterprise in India's space story, with Singapore firmly along.

Singapore's sovereign wealth funds have emerged as key backers of Skyroot Aerospace, providing crucial funding as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, prepares for its maiden launch.

As India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, stands ready on the launch pad at Sriharikota, the milestone carries more than just Indian ingenuity. It shows a deepening partnership with Singapore, whose sovereign wealth funds have provided critical financial muscle to propel the Hyderabad-based startup into the global small-satellite launch market. Scheduled to launch soon for its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman ("Arrival"), the Vikram-1 aims to place payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450 km low Earth orbit at 60 degrees inclination. The four-stage, carbon-composite rocket, named after India's space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, features indigenously developed 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. Success would mark the first time a privately built Indian vehicle has reached orbit, opening doors for cost-effective, dedicated launches. Singapore's role is pivotal. Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's sovereign wealth fund managing national reserves, co-led a funding round that elevated Skyroot's valuation. Earlier backing from Temasek, a Singaporean state-owned multinational investment firm, further bolstered the company. These investments reflect Singapore's calculated push into high-growth frontier technologies, positioning the city-state as among the key financiers in India's burgeoning private space sector.

Singapore's sovereign wealth funds have emerged as key backers of Skyroot Aerospace, providing crucial funding as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, prepares for its maiden launch.

With all eyes on Vikram-1, Singapore's wealth fund and investment body fuels India's private space era

India's first privately designed and built spacefaring rocket 'Vikram-1' is scheduled to launch at 11:30am IST, 18th July, Saturday. Since the start of this month, the Hyderabad-based firm Skyroot Aerospace's seven-storeys-tall 'Vikram 1' rocket has been fully integrated and stacked at the lone Indian spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This will be the first time that a private spacefaring rocket is lifting off from the first launchpad of the Government-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). So far, only rockets designed and developed by ISRO have been launched from the first and second launchpads at SDSC, Sriharikota.Concerned authorities have issued the necessary airspace and maritime notices, formally designating the restricted zones along Vikram-1's ascent and impact corridor for launch day, Skyroot said about the launch readiness. “We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on ground. On 18th July, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in a real flight environment for the first time. This is our first test flight, and we will be getting valuable data from it. This will be foundational to Skyroot's aspirations of establishing launch cadence. We are excited to see this through," said Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder &amp; CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-5-lakh-for-neet-questions-cbi-uncovers-conspiracy-behind-paper-leak-1784186292410">Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak</a> Vikram-1 will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece. Dubbed 'Mission Aagaman', meaning “the arrival”, the launch mission of Vikram-1 marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, a rocket that was meant to fly to the edge of space and not deploy satellites. The November 2022 launch of Vikram-S was the first attempt of that sort by an Indian private firm. "What we are aiming to do on 18 July is bigger than a single launch. It represents the hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people, the contributions of over 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India. This test flight will show us how every technology we have developed over the years performs in real-world conditions. With the in-flight data gathered from this mission, we will return to the shop floor to learn, improve, and build further. This test flight is the first step towards creating a reliable, on-demand launch company for the world from India." — Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder &amp; COO, Skyroot Aerospace<h2>About the Vikram-1 rocket</h2>Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Vikram-1's maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination.Orbital inclination is the tilt of a satellite's path with respect to the Earth's equator. For context, a satellite that circles along the Earth's equator will have a 0-degree inclination; a satellite that circles from pole to pole will have a 90-degree inclination. Therefore, a 60-degree inclination in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) means the satellite circles the planet tilted at a 60-degree angle to the equator. It traces a path that flies over populated regions between 60° North and 60° South latitude. It leaves the extreme polar regions unobserved but covers nearly all inhabited areas.Vikram-1's first launch mission will help Skyroot gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall vehicle performance, supporting the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company. Typically, spacefaring rocket makers regard the first three launches of a rocket as developmental or demonstration flights. It is based on the outcomes of the first three missions and their learnings that the firm would declare the rocket operational. Skyroot says that it will commence full commercial launches after one or two successful demonstration launches to orbit.Watch | ISRO genius preparing India's future minds | Vijay govt's big move<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed</a>&nbsp;

Vikram-1, will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece.

India's first privately designed and built spacefaring rocket 'Vikram-1' is scheduled to launch at 11:30am IST, 18th July, Saturday. Since the start of this month, the Hyderabad-based firm Skyroot Aerospace's seven-storeys-tall 'Vikram 1' rocket has been fully integrated and stacked at the lone Indian spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This will be the first time that a private spacefaring rocket is lifting off from the first launchpad of the Government-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). So far, only rockets designed and developed by ISRO have been launched from the first and second launchpads at SDSC, Sriharikota. Concerned authorities have issued the necessary airspace and maritime notices, formally designating the restricted zones along Vikram-1's ascent and impact corridor for launch day, Skyroot said about the launch readiness. “We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on ground. On 18th July, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in a real flight environment for the first time. This is our first test flight, and we will be getting valuable data from it. This will be foundational to Skyroot's aspirations of establishing launch cadence. We are excited to see this through," said Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. Also read | Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak Vikram-1 will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece. Dubbed 'Mission Aagaman', meaning “the arrival”, the launch mission of Vikram-1 marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, a rocket that was meant to fly to the edge of space and not deploy satellites. The November 2022 launch of Vikram-S was the first attempt of that sort by an Indian private firm. "What we are aiming to do on 18 July is bigger than a single launch. It represents the hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people, the contributions of over 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India. This test flight will show us how every technology we have developed over the years performs in real-world conditions. With the in-flight data gathered from this mission, we will return to the shop floor to learn, improve, and build further. This test flight is the first step towards creating a reliable, on-demand launch company for the world from India." — Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace About the Vikram-1 rocket Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Vikram-1's maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination. Orbital inclination is the tilt of a satellite's path with respect to the Earth's equator. For context, a satellite that circles along the Earth's equator will have a 0-degree inclination; a satellite that circles from pole to pole will have a 90-degree inclination. Therefore, a 60-degree inclination in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) means the satellite circles the planet tilted at a 60-degree angle to the equator. It traces a path that flies over populated regions between 60° North and 60° South latitude. It leaves the extreme polar regions unobserved but covers nearly all inhabited areas. Vikram-1's first launch mission will help Skyroot gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall vehicle performance, supporting the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company. Typically, spacefaring rocket makers regard the first three launches of a rocket as developmental or demonstration flights. It is based on the outcomes of the first three missions and their learnings that the firm would declare the rocket operational. Skyroot says that it will commence full commercial launches after one or two successful demonstration launches to orbit. Watch | ISRO genius preparing India's future minds | Vijay govt's big move https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed

Vikram-1, will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece.

Vikram-1: India's first privately designed & built spacefaring rocket to liftoff on July 18

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India's first privately designed & built spacefaring rocket to liftoff on Jul 18