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Prime Minister\u00a0Narendra Modi<\/a> on Thursday virtually inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace\u2019s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad and unveiled Vikram-I, India\u2019s first orbital rocket built by a private company. During the event, PM Modi said that India is moving towards becoming a global leader in satellite launch services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He praised the achievement as a sign of India\u2019s growing capabilities in space\u00a0technology<\/a> and said the rocket represents the credibility and innovation of the country. He also appreciated the founders of Skyroot Aerospace, Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, calling them an inspiration for India\u2019s youth.<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\ude80 India\u2019s first private orbital launch is closer than ever: Vikram-1\u2019s first stage, Kalam-1200, has been fully validated, with 236 data channels confirming flawless performance.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca5 This powerhouse motor lifts the rocket from the launchpad to 50+ km altitude. Watch it roar for\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/iJw9PLTw6E<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) August 10, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n PM Modi spoke about how the private space sector has grown rapidly in the last few years. He said that this progress is the direct result of the government\u2019s reforms, which opened the space industry to private companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Allowing private companies to work in the space field has encouraged new ideas, faster development, and increased participation. He noted that India\u2019s space journey has transformed from carrying rocket parts on bicycles to building some of the most reliable rockets in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n Vikram-I, the rocket unveiled at the event, has been designed and developed by Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad<\/a>. It is a small-satellite launch vehicle named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India\u2019s space programme. The rocket is 20 metres tall and 1.7 metres wide. It produces 1,200 kN of thrust and is built using an all-carbon composite structure, which makes it strong but lightweight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vikram-I is designed to be simple, reliable, and quick to prepare. It can be made ready for launch within just 24 hours from any site. The first three stages of the rocket use solid fuel for strong initial lift-off, while the top stage uses liquid fuel for accurate positioning in space.<\/span><\/p>\n The rocket includes advanced technology such as 3D-printed engines, which reduce the weight by half and make production 80% faster. It also has low-shock separation systems and updated avionics for real-time navigation. Vikram-I can carry up to 350 kg into low Earth orbit or 260 kg into a sun-synchronous orbit<\/a>. Depending on the mission, it can deliver 290 kg to a 500 km SSO or 480 kg to a 500 km LEO.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Skyroot has already completed several important tests, proving that the rocket is nearly ready for use. The company aims to launch Vikram-I in early 2026 to serve the fast-growing small-satellite market. As India\u2019s space economy is expected to reach $77 billion by 2030, the rocket is set to play a major role in strengthening the private space sector and supporting the country\u2019s global ambitions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n