India launches first privately made space rocket

India successfully launched its first privately manufactured space rocket yesterday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in southern India, according to Skyroot Aerospace, the rocket’s manufacturer.

In a statement, the company said the rocket reached its operational orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers above Earth’s surface, marking a milestone that makes India the third country in the world to possess non-governmental capability to launch orbital rockets.

The company noted that the 23-meter-tall “Vikram-1” rocket successfully achieved its operational orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers above Earth after more than 15 minutes into its flight. During its maiden test flight, the rocket was equipped with dummy payloads designed by small Indian startups.

It added that the rocket was developed under the “Aghaan” mission to provide flexible and low-cost launch services for small satellites, and that it has the capacity to deliver satellites weighing up to 350 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The success of this orbital mission represents a significant milestone for India’s private space sector, reflecting its growing role following reforms in the country’s space industry.