Science TechnologyFriday, 3 July 2026·The Hindu - Science
Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, set for maiden launch window from 12 July to 4 August 2026
Skyroot Aerospace has announced a launch window of July 12 to August 4, 2026, for Vikram-1’s first test flight from Sriharikota.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 2 July 2026, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace announced that Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, will have its maiden test-flight window from 12 July to 4 August 2026 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Key specifics
- Mission Aagaman is the name of Vikram-1’s first test flight.
- Vikram-S, the company’s suborbital rocket, became the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil on 18 November 2022.
- Vikram-1 is designed to carry small satellites up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
- The target orbit for the maiden mission is 450 km altitude with a 60-degree orbital inclination.
- The rocket is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage vehicle with an all-carbon composite structure and 3D-printed engines.
Exam lens
Science and technology question type: identify the first private orbital-class rocket, launch window 12 July–4 August 2026, Sriharikota, 350 kg payload, and 450 km orbit; TNPSC may ask which private company built Vikram-1 and what Mission Aagaman means.