India Successfully Launches First Rocket Manufactured by a Private Local Company

New Delhi, July 18 (KUNA) -- The Indian private company Skyroot Aerospace announced on Saturday the successful launch of the Vikram-1 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh state, in southern India, marking the first rocket manufactured by a private local company. Skyroot, the developer of the rocket, said in a statement that the rocket reached its operational orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers above Earth’s surface, an achievement that positions India as the third country in the world to possess non-governmental capability to launch orbital rockets. It added that the rocket was developed under the “Agnikul Mission” to provide flexible and low-cost launch services for small satellites, noting that the rocket can carry 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace on this achievement, holding a call with the team and praising this historic space accomplishment. (End) E.A.K./A.M.S.