Telangana CM Flags Off India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy flagged off India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, to Sriharikota. The CM stated the state is emerging as an aerospace hub and aims to become a global leader by 2047. Telangana recorded the highest engineering export growth in India at 117.9% between 2023-24 and 2024-25. Skyroot CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana expressed interest in collaborating with Young India Skills University for talent development.

Key Points: India's 1st Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Flagged Off

  • Telangana CM flags off India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1
  • Rocket sent to Sriharikota for launch in coming months
  • Telangana aims to become global aerospace leader by 2047
  • State records 117.9% growth in engineering exports
3 min read

Telangana CM flags off India's first pvt orbital rocket Vikram-1 at Skyroot Aerospace

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy flags off Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, India's first private orbital rocket, marking a milestone in aerospace growth.

"It is encouraging that Skyroot is ready to attempt India's first private orbital launch. - CM Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, April 26

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the state is set to emerge as an aerospace hub in the country and that the government is making large-scale efforts to position it as a leader in the aerospace sector, the release said.

On Saturday, CM Revanth Reddy, along with Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, flagged off the private orbital rocket Vikram--1, designed and developed by Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad, to Sriharikota. Speaking on the occasion, the CM said it is encouraging that Skyroot is ready to attempt India's first private orbital launch.

As part of the event, the rocket was ceremonially sent to the launch site at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Skyroot is preparing for India's first private orbital launch in the coming months. The CM praised the Skyroot team, describing the development of India's first private orbital rocket in Hyderabad as a milestone in the state's aerospace growth.

He noted that the company launched its first rocket in 2022, and reaching the orbital launch stage in such a short time is commendable.

The CM stated that Telangana ranks first in India in the aerospace sector. Global giants such as Boeing, Airbus, and Safran already have a presence in the state.

He added that Telangana aims to become a global leader in aerospace by 2047 and that the government considers aerospace a key growth sector. Since December 2023, Telangana has recorded remarkable growth in engineering exports.

According to central government statistics, Telangana registered the highest growth in engineering exports in the country, 117.9% between 2023-24 and 2024-25. Aircraft components and defense equipment significantly contributed to this growth.

The CM said the government is focusing on skill development for youth in line with aerospace industry needs through partnerships with global universities and industrial giants. The government will support companies like Skyroot with policies, infrastructure, and talent.

He explained that skilled training programs aligned with industry needs will be implemented through Young India Skills University, Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and upgraded polytechnic colleges. Both ATCs and polytechnic institutions will be brought under the Skills University.

He added that special emphasis is being placed on training instructors in these institutions. Tata Technologies is already providing training to staff in ATCs across the state.

Responding to the CM's suggestion, Skyroot Aerospace CEO and co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana expressed interest in collaborating with Young India Skills University. He described the Skills University concept as unique and said it would help the company access the talent it needs. He noted that the biggest challenge faced by industries is the availability of skilled and trained personnel, and that partnering with the Skills University would be beneficial.

The CM also invited Skyroot to visit the ATC in Mallepally, Hyderabad, and highlighted the flexibility offered by the Skills University in updating curricula based on industry requirements.

He also spoke about government plans to address shortcomings in the state's school education system. Despite spending Rs 1.08 lakh per student annually in government schools, the outcomes are not meeting expectations, he said, adding that a comprehensive plan has been prepared to address this issue.

The event was attended by the CM's Special Secretary B Ajith Reddy, Skyroot co-founder and COO Naga Bharath Daka, and others.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see India's private space sector growing. But wish they had mentioned more about the rocket's specs and payload capacity. Still, a significant step forward.
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Nisha Z
The 117.9% export growth is impressive! But I hope the focus on aerospace doesn't neglect other sectors like agriculture and IT. Need balanced development for all of Telangana.
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Ravi K
The mention of Young India Skills University is interesting. If they can actually train youth for aerospace jobs, that could be a game-changer for employment. Let's see how it pans out on ground.
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James A
Big kudos to Skyroot for taking on the challenge. But the CM's comment about spending Rs 1.08 lakh per student with poor outcomes is concerning. Fixing school education should be priority before fancy aerospace dreams.
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Tanya I
Finally some good news from Hyderabad! 😊 Our city has always been about IT, but aerospace is a natural fit with all the engineering talent here. Best wishes to the Skyroot team.
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Amit S
The CM's claim about Telangana being number 1 in aerospace needs verification - other states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also doing well. But definitely a positive step. More competition means better results for India.

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