Skyroot's Vikram-1 to carry PM Modi's handwritten 'Vande Mataram' postcard
New Delhi, July 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handwritten postcard carrying the words 'Vande Mataram' will travel to space aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 on July 18, the private space startup announced on Friday.
In a post on social media platform X, Skyroot Aerospace said PM Modi's handwritten message will be among the special payloads onboard the mission, alongside handwritten notes from the company's team, investors, policymakers and well-wishers from across the globe.
"Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special -- a handwritten postcard from PM Modi with the words, 'Vande Mataram'," the company said.
According to Skyroot, the keepsakes are part of Mission Aagaman, which it described as "a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions."
The company said the handwritten messages symbolise the collective support behind India's growing private space ecosystem and will accompany the Vikram-1 mission into space.
Vikram-1 -- Skyroot Aerospace's maiden orbital launch vehicle -- is expected to mark a significant milestone for India's private space sector. The mission aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the indigenously developed launch vehicle and strengthen the country's commercial space ambitions.
On Thursday, the Hyderabad-based startup announced that it will attempt the maiden test flight of Vikram-1 from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) on July 18.
The launch will mark the first attempt by a privately developed orbital-class rocket to lift off from Indian soil.
Besides the commemorative keepsakes, Vikram-1 will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmic Bloom -- an artwork by Cosmos Diamonds -- and a micro-art payload.
The required airspace and maritime clearances have been secured, with authorities issuing the necessary notices designating restricted zones along the rocket's ascent and impact corridor, according to the company.
— IANS
Reader Comments
A step forward, but let's not ignore the cost. With Yogi and Modi govt spending on space glories, is this really the priority when farmers are struggling and unemployment is high? 🤔 Vande Mataram is meaningful, but actions on ground matter more.
Amazing! This is the Atmanirbhar Bharat spirit. Private companies like Skyroot are the future of Indian space exploration. PM's personal touch makes it even more special. Can't wait for the launch on July 18! 🚀
While I support space tech, this seems like a publicity stunt. Why not focus on actual scientific payloads? The hype around PM's postcard overshadows the real achievement. Still, kudos to Skyroot for the launch attempt.
Impressive! This shows India's private space sector is really taking off. Handwritten notes going to space is a clever PR move. Curious if the launch will be streamed globally.
Vande Mataram in space! This is going to be historic. From Chandrayaan to private rockets, we're truly in a golden era for Indian space science. All the best to the Skyroot team! 🙏
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