PM Unveils Skyroot’s Vikram-I, India’s First Private Orbital Rocket
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Vikram-I, India’s first privately built orbital rocket, at Skyroot Aerospace’s newly inaugurated Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. The event marks a major milestone for India’s private space sector as it moves towards independent launch capabilities.
Features Of Vikram-I
Vikram-I is designed to place small satellites — up to nearly 300 kg — into Low Earth Orbit. Built with advanced carbon-composite structures, the rocket is lightweight and fuel-efficient. It is capable of multi-satellite deployments and aims to target the growing global small-satellite launch market.
Infinity Campus To Boost Private Space Manufacturing
Skyroot’s new 200,000 sq ft campus will support the full lifecycle of launch vehicle production, including design, integration, testing and assembly. The company says the facility has the capacity to produce one orbital rocket per month, giving India a stronger position in commercial space launches.
Significance For India’s Space Ecosystem
This development represents a shift towards greater private participation in India’s space industry. Following earlier reforms enabling private firms to enter the sector, Vikram-I positions India to join the small group of nations where private companies can build and launch orbital-class rockets. Skyroot is targeting the first orbital launch of Vikram-I in late 2025 or early 2026.
