Hyderabad-Based Skyroot Makes History with Successful Vikram-1 Orbital Launch

India’s private space sector achieved a historic milestone on July 19 as Skyroot Aerospace , a Hyderabad-based space technology startup, successfully launched its Vikram-1 orbital rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota . The mission, named “Mission Agaman,” marks the country’s first successful orbital launch by a private company and is being viewed as a major step forward for India’s ambitions in the global commercial space market.

The four-stage Vikram-1 rocket , standing about seven storeys tall, lifted off at 12:05 p.m. and successfully placed multiple payloads into orbit. Among them were commemorative postcards sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as several technology demonstration payloads. Following the launch, Skyroot Aerospace officially declared the mission a grand success.

Reacting to the achievement, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy described it as a proud day for both India and Hyderabad. He said the success highlights how the country’s future space technologies are increasingly being designed and developed in Telangana. Calling Skyroot a homegrown Hyderabad company, he noted that the launch reflects the strength of the city’s innovation ecosystem and its growing role in India’s space ambitions.

Revanth Reddy also recalled his visit to Skyroot Aerospace in April and said he had personally flagged off the transportation of the Vikram-1 flight hardware to Sriharikota as part of the mission campaign. He termed the successful launch a significant milestone in Telangana’s efforts to emerge as a global aerospace and space technology hub . According to him, such achievements strengthen the state’s vision of becoming a preferred destination for aerospace innovation, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies while inspiring young entrepreneurs and innovators.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed the launch as the beginning of a “new era” for India’s private space industry. He said the successful orbital mission demonstrated that Indian private space companies are now capable of competing alongside leading global players.

Naidu congratulated Skyroot Aerospace , ISRO , IN-SPACe , NSIL , and the thousands of scientists, engineers and technical experts behind the mission, stating that the achievement would inspire future generations and stand as a proud moment for every Indian.