India set for first private orbital rocket launch as PM Modi calls Vikram-1 a 'historic new frontier'

New Delhi ( Abhishek Singh) : India is set to witness a major milestone in its space programme on Saturday as Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.

The maiden mission, named ‘Mission Aagaman’ (Sanskrit word for arrival), is scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11.30 AM, marking a new chapter in India’s growing private space sector.

Ahead of the launch, PM Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Hyderabad-based startup, describing the mission as a “historic new frontier” for India’s space journey. He said the launch reflects the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth while showcasing the impact of the country’s space-sector reforms.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “A historic new frontier for India’s space journey!” He added that Vikram-1 is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services and that the mission demonstrates how reforms in the space sector are creating new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.