India's private orbital launch proves success of space reforms, emergence as global player: Minister
New Delhi, July 18
India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, Vikram‑1, successfully reaching its designated low Earth orbit proves the country's emergence as a serious global player, Union MoS, Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Saturday.
As per the statement from the Department of Space, it stands as a powerful vindication of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to open the country's space sector to private participation, the minister added.
Mission Aagaman demonstrated the strength of India's public‑private partnership model enabled by the collaborative efforts of the Department of Space, ISRO, IN-SPACe and India's vibrant start-up ecosystem.
"Had Prime Minister Narendra Modi not taken the bold decision to open India's space sector to private enterprise, the country would not have witnessed this historic achievement," Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
He said the reforms have unlocked the immense potential of Indian innovators, providing them access to national space infrastructure and creating an ecosystem where world-class technologies can now be conceived, developed and launched entirely from India.
Singh said Vikram-1 has demonstrated an exceptional level of technological maturity for a maiden orbital mission. Unlike many maiden launches that carry only dummy masses, Vikram‑1 carried experimental payloads and customer demonstrations from Indian and international partners, he said.
The mission also flew customer payloads and technology demonstrations from Indian and international partners, reflecting the growing confidence of the global space community in India's commercial launch capabilities.
Vikram‑1, built entirely in India, can place up to 350 kilograms into low Earth orbit and incorporates indigenous breakthroughs including an all‑carbon composite orbital rocket, a fully 3D‑printed liquid engine for its Orbital Adjustment Module, advanced ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems and a long monolithic carbon‑composite rocket stage.
The statement highlighted India's space reforms since 2020 that helped grow 400 spave startups, first space unicorn, and a space economy approaching $9 billion, with a national vision of expanding it to nearly $44 billion over the next decade.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see ISRO's hand in nurturing private startups. This is the 'Make in India' spirit we need – collaboration between government and young tech minds. $44 billion space economy target is ambitious but realistic given our engineering talent pool.
Great news, but let's not forget the conservative criticism about privatization. Some argued space is too sensitive for private hands 🤔 Today's success shows trust was justified. Hope this leads to cheaper launch costs for Indian researchers and smaller businesses.
As someone who follows global space trends, India's pace is impressive. The 350 kg to LEO capacity opens up small satellite launch market. Combined with India's cost advantage, this could be a game-changer for international customers. Private-public synergy is the model for emerging space nations.
The best part is this was built entirely in India! 🇮🇳 Our students and young engineers now have role models to look up to. The space reforms since 2020 are paying off – 400 startups in just 4 years is insane growth. Proud moment for every Indian.
I appreciate the achievement, but we must ensure that the benefits trickle down. Space tech can help with better weather forecasting, agricultural monitoring, and disaster management. Hope companies like this one work on societal applications rather than just commercial launches.
E We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.