Background
India's space sector was opened to private participation in 2020 through major reforms.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre was established to regulate and facilitate private sector participation.
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space with Vikram-S in November 2022.
Vikram-1 is named after Vikram Sarabhai and is designed to place satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Features of Vikram-1
India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle.
Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad.
Height: About 24 metres (seven-storey tall).
Configuration: Multi-stage launch vehicle.
Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Target Orbit: 450 km altitude with 60° orbital inclination.
Built using an all-carbon composite structure for lightweight construction.
Powered by:
High-thrust solid rocket boosters.
In-house liquid propulsion systems.
3D-printed rocket engines, enabling faster and cost-effective manufacturing.
Designed for rapid manufacturing and high launch frequency.
Mission Aagaman
Mission Aagaman (“Arrival”) is the first orbital test flight of Vikram-1.
It follows the successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first private suborbital rocket (18 November 2022).
It is a partially commercial mission carrying payloads from domestic and international customers.
The mission aims to validate critical flight systems before full commercial operations.
Challenges
Reliability: Orbital launch vehicles require multiple successful missions before gaining commercial confidence.
Global competition: Faces competition from companies such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and emerging launch startups worldwide.
High development costs and continuous investment requirements.
Regulatory and insurance frameworks for commercial launches are still evolving.
Need to maintain cost competitiveness while ensuring mission success.
Way Forward
Complete demonstration flights and achieve orbital validation.
Strengthen collaboration between Indian Space Research Organisation, IN-SPACe, and private companies.
Expand indigenous manufacturing and supply chains for launch vehicle components.
Develop supportive policies for insurance, financing, and export of space technologies.
Encourage greater private investment, research, and international partnerships to enhance India's commercial launch capabilities.
Conclusion
The Vikram-1 mission is truly a historic event for India's space industry. Being the first orbital rocket built by Indian startups, it reflects both the advancements made by Indian companies as well as recent progress in Indian space legislation. Mission Aagaman would ensure the establishment of regular commercial flights and India's rise in the international space market.
