India’s space sector is preparing for a major milestone as a private company moves closer to launching the country’s first orbital rocket developed outside the government system.
The VIKRAM I rocket, built by Hyderabad based startup Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden orbital mission in 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The mission will mark the first time an Indian private company places a satellite into orbit, a capability earlier limited to national space agencies.
Developed as an orbital class launch vehicle, VIKRAM I represents a turning point in India’s space journey and reflects the impact of reforms introduced in 2020 that opened the space sector to private participation. These reforms enabled non government players to design, develop, and launch space vehicles, ending decades of exclusive control by the national space agency.
Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 by former space agency scientists and entrepreneurs. The company earlier achieved a key milestone in November 2022 with the successful launch of Vikram S, India’s first privately developed suborbital rocket. That mission laid the foundation for the development of VIKRAM I, which is designed to carry satellites into low Earth orbit.
Named in honour of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of India’s space programme, VIKRAM I has been developed to serve the fast growing small satellite market. The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg to low Earth orbit, supporting missions in Earth observation, communications, and scientific research.
The launch vehicle uses lightweight carbon composite structures and advanced engines produced using 3D printing technology. These design choices aim to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness. The rocket is intended to offer dedicated and responsive launch services, allowing satellite operators to avoid dependence on shared rides on larger launch vehicles.
The maiden launch is expected to take place in early 2026 from Sriharikota, India’s primary orbital launch site. Future missions may also operate from the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport in Tamil Nadu, which is under development and expected to become operational by late 2026. This facility will further support polar and sun synchronous orbit missions.
The VIKRAM I launch is seen as a defining step in India’s push to build a globally competitive private space ecosystem.
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