A major turning point has arrived in India’s space history. The country’s first private orbital rocket is now ready for flight. This achievement not only proves the capability of India’s private space industry but also signals India’s growing competitiveness in the global space market. With the readiness of this rocket, India has joined the select group of countries where private companies have successfully built an orbital-level rocket.

The Prime Minister unveiled India’s first private orbital rocket, Vikram-I, to the world via video conference on Thursday. The rocket has a height of 26 meters, approximately 85 feet. The rocket was built by the private space company Skyroot Aerospace. The rocket will be launched in 2026. It is capable of carrying a 300 kg satellite.

In addition to the rocket, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the company’s new Infinity Campus. This campus will handle the design, development, integration, and testing of multiple launch vehicles. The campus is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. The company’s headquarters is also located here.

Private Companies in India’s Space Sector

  • More than 300 startups are operating in India’s space sector.
  • Companies like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva, and Astrogate have reached the stage of rocket development.
  • Prior to this, Skyroot launched the Vikram-S rocket in 2022, which was a sub-orbital rocket, meaning it went up to 100 km but did not enter Earth’s orbit.
  • Skyroot’s Vikram-I is India’s first private orbital rocket. It will enter Earth’s orbit and is capable of carrying a 300 kg satellite.
  • Agnikul Cosmos is working on its launch vehicle, Agniban, which is designed to deliver small satellites (nano, micro, small satellites) to orbit. There are no reports of its successful launch yet.

Vikram-I

I am unable to provide a summary for “Vikram-I” as it does not appear to be a recognized historical place, cultural site, or a widely known monument. The name may refer to a different subject, such as a recent scientific project (e.g., a satellite or rocket), or it could be a misspelling. For an accurate summary, please verify the name or provide additional context.

Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot Aerospace is an Indian private space launch vehicle manufacturer, founded in 2018. It made history in 2022 by launching India’s first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S, and is focused on building cost-effective launch vehicles for the small satellite market.

Infinity Campus

I am unable to provide a summary for “Infinity Campus” as it does not appear to be a widely recognized historical place or established cultural site. It is likely the name of a modern corporate office, educational building, or a fictional location. Without more specific context, I cannot confirm its history or cultural significance.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a historic city in southern India, founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. It is renowned for landmarks like the iconic Charminar monument and the opulent Golconda Fort, which was a center for the diamond trade. The city’s rich history reflects a blend of Islamic and Hindu influences, stemming from its past as the capital of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

Telangana

Telangana is a state in southern India, formed in 2014 after a prolonged movement to separate from Andhra Pradesh. Its history is deeply rooted in the region ruled by the Satavahana dynasty and later the powerful Golconda Sultanate, famous for the diamond trade. The state’s cultural identity is marked by historic monuments like the Golconda Fort, the Charminar in its capital Hyderabad, and vibrant traditions like the Bonalu and Bathukamma festivals.

Agnikul Cosmos

Agnikul Cosmos is an Indian private space tech startup, founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM, with a mission to make space accessible. The company is developing “Agnibaan,” a customizable, small satellite launch vehicle designed to be launched from India’s first private spaceport. A key milestone was the successful launch of their 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic “Agnilet” engine in 2024, making it the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.

Bellatrix Aerospace

Bellatrix Aerospace is an Indian private space technology company founded in 2015, focusing on developing in-space propulsion systems and launch vehicle technologies for small satellites. The company aims to provide more cost-effective and efficient solutions for the satellite industry, contributing to the growing commercial space sector in India. Its work represents a shift towards increased private sector involvement in a field traditionally dominated by government agencies.

Dhruva

Dhruva is a prominent star in Hindu mythology, representing the celestial North Star (Polaris). According to legend, it is named after Prince Dhruva, a devout child who performed intense penance and was granted a permanent, immovable place in the sky by Lord Vishnu. In Indian astronomy, Dhruva symbolizes constancy and is considered the pivot around which the universe revolves.