Skyroot's Vikram-1 Launch Marks India's Entry into Private Orbital Space Market
On July 18, 2026, Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket to reach orbit, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission, named Aagaman, successfully placed its payloads into a 450-kilometer low Earth orbit. This launch signifies a major shift in India's space industry, traditionally dominated by state-run operations. The Vikram-1 rocket, designed for small satellite deployment, represents a new model of private sector involvement in space exploration, facilitated by recent government reforms. The mission included payloads from various international and domestic partners, showcasing India's growing role in the global space market. 
