Mission Prarambh: India's first private rocket Vikram-S lifts off from Sriharikota

India's rocket startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully began its space journey with its rocket Vikram-S and wrote a new chapter in the country's space history. Weighing 545 kg, a six-meter-long rocket on a sub-orbital mission carried three payloads from Space Kidz India, Bazoomq Armenia, and N-Space Tech India. The rocket was made with carbon fibre and four 3D-printed engines and its single stage was powered by solid fuel.

India successfully placed three satellites into orbit on a rocket completely developed by a four year-old startup, marking the entry of the private sector into the country's space activities, currently dominated by the state-run behemoth ISRO. Credit: ISRO

Skyroot Aerospace-designed Vikram-S, named in a befitting tribute to the father of the country's space programme Vikram Sarabhai, tasted success in its maiden mission. Credit: ISRO

Skyroot Aerospace become the first privately held company in India after the space sector was opened for private players by the Centre in 2020.

The vehicle integrated into the launcher soared after lifting off at the prefixed 11.30 am from the sounding rocket complex at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), about 115 km from Chennai. The 6-metre tall launch vehicle is one of the world's first few all-composite rockets that has 3-D printed solid thrusters for spin stability of the launch vehicle. Credit: ISRO

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who witnessed the launch today accompanied, congratulated the nation and said it is indeed a new beginning and a new dawn. Credit: Twitter/@DrJitendraSingh