Ekhbary News Agency
Sriharikota — India marked a significant milestone in its space sector as Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, the nation's inaugural privately developed orbital-class satellite launcher. The vehicle achieved a precise 280-mile-high orbit following its liftoff from Sriharikota Island in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. This achievement, for what it's worth, positions India firmly in the burgeoning global commercial space race, demonstrating robust indigenous capabilities.
A Flawless Maiden Voyage Confirmed
The Vikram-1, standing 72 feet (22 meters) tall and capable of placing payloads up to 770 pounds (350 kilograms) into low-Earth orbit, launched at 1:35 am EDT (06:35 UTC). A brief technical delay preceded the ignition of its solid-fueled first stage, propelling the rocket off the pad. Subsequent solid-fueled motors fired in succession to reach space, followed by a small liquid-fueled fourth stage accelerating to orbital velocity of approximately 17,000 mph. Live onboard camera views confirmed each phase of the launch sequence, with US military tracking data corroborating the successful orbital insertion at 450 kilometers high and a 60-degree inclination.
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Praise for Private Sector Innovation and Support
Pawan Kumar Chandana, Skyroot's cofounder and CEO, lauded the team's effort, stating, "We achieved one of the biggest milestones ever in India’s space sector—the first private orbital rocket reaching orbit on the very first attempt." He emphasized the rarity of such a first-flight success, contrasting it with initial challenges faced by industry giants like SpaceX and Rocket Lab, whose early orbital attempts often required multiple tries. Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, a government body promoting commercial space, confirmed the mission's absolute perfection, noting it far exceeded the initial humble objective of merely clearing the launch tower. The Indian space agency, ISRO, provided crucial "handholding and support," including access to solid rocket motor casting and test facilities, along with allowing Skyroot to launch from one of its active pads, underscoring a collaborative national vision for space.
