Gujarat’s first sounding rocket launch marks private space entry at Dholera

Direct fact

On 14 March 2026, Gujarat recorded its first-ever sounding rocket launch from Bavaliyari near Dholera, carried out by Ahmedabad-based Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited (OSRE).

Key specifics

• The single-stage sub-orbital rocket reached about 3 kilometres altitude within seconds of liftoff.
• The rocket landed safely around 4 kilometres from the launch site using a dual-parachute autonomous recovery system.
• Its airframe used carbon fibre and advanced composite materials developed in Ahmedabad under the Make in India initiative.
• The mission validated a sugar-based solid propellant motor and a 3D-printed torch igniter.
• The launch was authorised by IN-SPACe and supported by the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the Indian Coast Guard.

Exam lens

Question type: science and technology, private space ecosystem, IN-SPACe, Make in India, sub-orbital rocket; TNPSC may ask the launch place, company name, altitude, and recovery system.