"Vikram-1 is a fitting tribute to India's pioneering space legacy": Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi
New Delhi, July 18
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed Skyroot's successful Vikram-1 launch saying it reflects the extraordinary capabilities of our scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, empowered by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a post on X, CM Majhi said, "The launch of Vikram-1 marks a defining milestone in India's space journey and a proud testament to the growing strength of our innovation ecosystem. As India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, it reflects the extraordinary capabilities of our scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, empowered by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister @narendramodi and transformative space sector reforms. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the entire @SkyrootA team on this historic mission. Coming 46 years after the launch of SLV-3, Vikram-1 is a fitting tribute to India's pioneering space legacy while opening new frontiers in advanced technology, private enterprise and commercial space exploration. May this achievement inspire a new generation of innovators and further elevate India's position in the global space sector," he said.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
The rocket completed its final burn and injected its payloads into a nearly 450-km orbit, making India the third country in the world with private orbital launch capability.
The mission, named "Mission Aagaman", was executed from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The 24-metre carbon-composite rocket completed all planned flight stages, including stage separations and the firing of its Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM).
The Vikram-1 rocket, powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module, is designed to deploy payloads up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The maiden flight carried multiple payloads, including the "Diamond Lotus", a lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds.
Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special--a handwritten postcard from PM Modi with the words, "Vande Mataram."
It travels to space alongside handwritten messages from the Skyroot team, investors, policymakers, and well-wishers across the globe, making Mission Aagaman a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive achievement by Skyroot! As someone who follows space tech, it's exciting to see India become the third country with private orbital launch capability. The lab-grown diamond payload "Diamond Lotus" is also quite innovative. Well done!
This is fantastic news! But I hope we also focus on the scientists and engineers who made this possible, not just the political leadership. The real credit goes to the Skyroot team who worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone.
Great to see India's private space sector thriving! The 350 kg payload capacity to LEO is impressive for a first private launch. This will definitely boost commercial space opportunities and inspire more startups. 🚀
Woh! 24-metre carbon-composite rocket, solid-fuel stages, liquid orbital adjustment module - this is next-level stuff. And the PM's postcard going to space? Chills! This is the kind of innovation that puts India on the global map. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳✨
Excellent achievement! The "Mission Aagaman" name is quite fitting. It's wonderful to see space sector reforms enabling private players. The Diamond Lotus payload is also a unique experiment. Looking forward to more such launches from India.
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