Hyderabad, July 18 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday congratulated Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace for the successful launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket, under Mission Aagaman, calling it a significant step forward in India’s space ecosystem.
In a post on X, Reddy said, “Congratulations to Skyroot Aerospace on the successful launch of Vikram-1, a landmark achievement as India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. This milestone reflects the extraordinary capabilities of our scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
“This marks a significant step forward in India’s space ecosystem. Wishing the entire team continued success as they inspire a new era of innovation and technological excellence for our nation,” he added.
With the successful launch of Vikram-1, India scripted a historic chapter in its space journey, becoming the only third nation after the United States and China to have a private company capable of launching a rocket into orbit.
The landmark mission lifted off from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone for India’s rapidly expanding private space sector.
“LIFT-OFF! Vikram-1 has left the pad at Sriharikota. India’s first privately developed orbital rocket is flying. History is being made,” Skyroot Aerospace said in a post on social media platform X.
“Safe tower clearance. At T+10 seconds, Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has cleared the launch tower,” it added.
Named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, the four-stage Vikram-1 launch vehicle is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services for small satellites.
The mission is also expected to strengthen India’s position in the global commercial launch market.
The seven-storey rocket is headed for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of about 450 km. With the successful launch, India joined an exclusive group of nations where private companies have demonstrated orbital launch capability.
–IANS
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