Skyroot Aerospace Achieves Milestone with Vikram-1 Rocket Launch, Boosting India's Private Space Sector
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup, successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket into orbit on July 18, marking the first orbital launch by a private company in India. The launch took place at the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This achievement positions India as the third country, after China and the United States, to have a domestic private firm reach orbit. The Vikram-1 rocket, capable of carrying 350 kilograms into low Earth orbit, features advanced technology such as a 3D-printed engine and carbon-composite materials. The launch included several commercial payloads, including satellites from Skyroot and other startups. This success comes six years after India opened its space sector to private enterprises, leading to a burgeoning industry with nearly 400 startups. 
