About 15 minutes after liftoff, Vikram-1 successfully deployed its payload into a 450-kilometre low-Earth orbit, with all four stages of the launch vehicle performing as planned on their very first attempt. The achievement makes India the third country to demonstrate orbital launch capability through private enterprise.
According to Skyroot Aerospace, the maiden mission was aimed at validating the rocket's propulsion, avionics, telemetry, guidance, navigation and control systems under actual flight conditions while collecting crucial performance data for future commercial launches.
Congratulating the company, CM Sawant said the successful mission marks the beginning of a new chapter in India's space journey. "Heartiest congratulations to Skyroot Aerospace on the successful maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. This landmark achievement marks the dawn of a new era in India's space journey, showcasing the strength of indigenous innovation, technological excellence, and the transformative vision of opening the space sector to private enterprise," CM Sawant posted on social media.
He further credited the Centre's space sector reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that they have empowered startups to innovate, compete globally and inspire a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
