India Launches First Private Orbital Rocket

Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched its first rocket, Vikram-1, into orbit, becoming the first private company in India to do so, according to the BBC.

The country has thus joined the US and China as the third nation with a private company capable of orbital launches. The rocket launched from the Sriharikota spaceport and, within 16 minutes, delivered six payloads, including scientific instruments, satellites and symbolic artifacts, into low Earth orbit.

Skyroot aims to offer flexible launches for small satellites based on the "cab service to space" model, allowing customers to book a dedicated mission instead of waiting for a spot on larger rockets.

The company plans a second test flight later this year and aims to launch commercial services in 2027. This success comes at a time of growing ambitions for India's space program, which includes a crewed mission, an expedition to Venus and its own space station.

(mja)