Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy praised Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace for the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. Reddy commended the achievement as a significant advancement in India’s space industry, highlighting the expertise of the country’s scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The launch of Vikram-1 marks a crucial milestone for India, making it the third nation globally, after the US and China, to possess a private company capable of sending a rocket into orbit.
The historic mission took place at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) First Launch Pad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Skyroot Aerospace, in a social media post, announced the successful lift-off of Vikram-1, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of the event. Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the rocket aims to offer swift and flexible launch services for small satellites, contributing to India’s presence in the international commercial launch market.
Vikram-1, a four-stage rocket, is en route to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 450 km. By achieving this milestone, India has joined a select group of countries with private entities demonstrating the capability to launch satellites into orbit. The successful launch of Vikram-1 signifies a remarkable leap forward in India’s space endeavors, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in space technology and innovation.
