'Historic new frontier': PM Modi hails 'talent of youth' ahead of Vikram-1 launch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle by Skyroot Aerospace. The mission, known as Mission Aagaman, represents a significant milestone for India's private space sector and its growing orbital capabilities.
Why it matters
This marks a pivotal shift in India's space industry, moving from state-led missions to a competitive private-sector model capable of independent orbital launches.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the planned maiden launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, as “a historic new frontier” for the country's space programme as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepared for Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.The mission, scheduled for lift-off at 11.30am, marks the first time an Indian private company will attempt to place satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using an independently developed launch vehicle.In a post on X ahead of the launch, the PM said the mission reflected the growing capabilities of India's private space sector."A historic new frontier for India's space journey! At 11:30 AM today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle.
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