India’s 1st privately built rocket launched

India’s first privately developed rocket, Vikram-s, was successfully launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) from its spaceport in Sriharikota on Friday – marking the entry of private sector into the country’s aerospace.

“A historic moment for India as the rocket Vikram-s, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, took off from Sriharikota today! It is an important milestone in the journey of India's private space industry. Congrats to @isro & @INSPACEIND for enabling this feat.” — NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister

THE MISSION In a bid to symbolise a new start, the mission has been named ‘Prarambh’, which translates as ‘beginning’. It was developed by Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd (SAPL), and is a single-stage spin-stabilised solid propellant rocket with a mass of approximately 545kg. Skyroot was the first startup to sign an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Isro for launching its rockets “Launched! Vikram-s makes history as the first private rocket of India to grace the skies. We thank you all for being with us for this momentous occasion. More details of flight to follow. Keep watching!” — Skyroot Aerospace