India awaits first private orbital rocket launch after 35-minute delay; PM Modi hails Vikram-1 as a 'historic new frontier'

India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, is now scheduled to lift off 35 minutes later than planned after Skyroot Aerospace announced a delay in the countdown on Saturday.

The Mission Aagaman launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, which was originally scheduled for 11:30 AM, will mark the country's first attempt by a private startup to place its own rocket into orbit.

Ahead of the launch, PM Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Hyderabad-based startup, describing the mission as a "historic new frontier" for India's space journey. He said the launch reflects the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth while showcasing the impact of the country's space-sector reforms.

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In a post on X, PM Modi said, "A historic new frontier for India's space journey!" He added that Vikram-1 is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services and that the mission demonstrates how reforms in the space sector are creating new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.

Wishing the team success, the Prime Minister said he hoped Vikram-1 would "soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators." He also urged Indians, particularly young people, to follow the mission and extend their support using the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.

Mission Aagaman marks private sector's orbital ambitions

Mission Aagaman is the maiden orbital test flight of Skyroot Aerospace and represents the first attempt by an Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit. Its success would mark a significant shift in India's space ecosystem, where orbital launches have traditionally been led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

The launch is also expected to highlight the growing role of private companies following the government's decision in 2020 to open the space sector to non-government players in an effort to increase the country's share in global space market from present 2 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030.

Advanced technology powers Vikram-1

Vikram-1 is India's first orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure, making it lighter and stronger than conventional rocket-grade steel. The four-stage rocket has been designed to offer rapid, reliable and on-demand satellite launch services.

The vehicle's Orbital Adjustment Module is powered by a fully 3D-printed liquid engine, the first such engine to be used on an Indian orbital launch vehicle. The rocket also features the country's longest monolithic carbon composite first stage, showcasing advances in indigenous composite manufacturing and aerospace engineering.

A tribute to India's scientific legacy

Apart from its technological achievements, the mission also carries a symbolic payload. On board Vikram-1 is a miniature gold rocket containing micro sculptures of three of India's most celebrated scientists — Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme, Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, and former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

The unique payload blends science, engineering and national heritage, underlining the mission's significance beyond technology.

As the countdown enters its final hours, all eyes will be on Sriharikota, where Vikram-1 is expected to attempt a launch that could redefine the future of India's private space industry.