PM Modi Unveils India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-I
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, unveiling Vikram-I – India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle capable of placing satellites into orbit.
Key Takeaways
- Vikram-I can carry 300kg payloads to Low Earth Orbit
- First Indian rocket capable of deploying multiple satellites simultaneously
- Can be assembled and launched within 24 hours
- Targets $77 billion small satellite market opportunity by 2030
The 200,000 square foot facility can produce one orbital rocket monthly, marking a significant milestone in India’s private space sector growth.
PM Modi’s Vision for India’s Space Sector
Addressing the event virtually, PM Modi praised ISRO’s decades-long contribution to India’s space journey. He highlighted how youth innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship are reaching new heights with unprecedented opportunities in the space sector.
The Prime Minister noted the rapid advancement of private sector participation, crediting policy reforms since 2023 that have fostered startups across launch, satellite, and analytics chains.
Vikram-I: Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Vikram-I represents a technological breakthrough with several distinctive features:
- Payload Capacity: 300 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Material: All-carbon-fiber body for enhanced performance
- Multi-Satellite Deployment: First Indian rocket capable of placing multiple satellites simultaneously
- Rapid Launch: Can be assembled and launched within 24 hours from any site
The rocket series honors Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of India’s space program, and aims to capture the multi-million-dollar small satellite launch market.
Skyroot’s Journey and Future Plans
Founded by former ISRO scientists and IIT alumni Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, Skyroot made history in 2022 with Vikram-S – India’s first private sub-orbital rocket launch.
The company has raised over $95 million and partners with entities like Axiom Space to expand low-Earth orbit access. The Infinity Campus embodies India’s new thinking and youth power, positioning the nation as a future leader in the global satellite launch ecosystem.
Vikram-I’s development signals India’s growing capabilities in the global space economy, with the small-satellite market projected to reach $77 billion by 2030.
