The founders of Skyroot Aerospace spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. During the conversation, the Prime Minister congratulated the team on achieving a landmark milestone for the country’s private space sector and praised their efforts in advancing India’s space ambitions.
The successful launch of Mission Aagaman marked a historic moment in India’s space journey, with Vikram-1 successfully placing multiple payloads into low-Earth orbit. The achievement is widely regarded as a major breakthrough for India’s growing private space industry and a significant step towards expanding the country’s commercial launch capabilities.
PM Modi Congratulates the Skyroot Team
During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot co-founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Bharath Daka, along with the entire team, for accomplishing a mission that has opened a new chapter in India’s space programme.
According to reports, the Prime Minister told the founders that he had watched the launch live and said the successful mission had inspired millions of young Indians. He praised the dedication, innovation, and hard work of the engineers, scientists, and technicians who made the mission possible.
‘You Have Planted New Seeds in the Sky’
One of the most memorable moments of the conversation came when Prime Minister Modi told the Skyroot team:
“You have planted new seeds in the sky.”
The Prime Minister described the launch as a defining moment for India’s private space sector and said the achievement reflected the country’s growing scientific capabilities and entrepreneurial spirit. He expressed confidence that the success would encourage more young innovators to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
Historic Milestone for India’s Private Space Industry
The Vikram-1 mission represents the first successful orbital launch by an Indian private company, placing India among a select group of nations with private firms capable of independently developing and launching orbital rockets.
Developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the four-stage launch vehicle successfully carried six payloads, including satellites and technology demonstration payloads, into low-Earth orbit. The mission validated several key technologies, including propulsion, avionics, guidance systems, and stage performance.
Mission Aagaman Opens New Opportunities
Skyroot’s maiden orbital mission, named Mission Aagaman, is expected to pave the way for future commercial launches from India. The successful demonstration establishes the company’s capability to provide cost-effective launch services for small satellites in the rapidly expanding global space market.
Industry experts believe the achievement will strengthen India’s position in the international commercial launch sector while encouraging greater private participation in space technology and innovation.
PM Had Extended Wishes Before Launch
Even before liftoff, Prime Minister Modi had described the Vikram-1 mission as a “historic new frontier” in India’s space journey. He highlighted the importance of private-sector participation in advancing the country’s space ambitions and said the mission reflected the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth.
The Prime Minister also sent a handwritten postcard bearing the words “Vande Mataram,” which was carried aboard the rocket as a symbolic payload during the mission.
Boost for India’s Expanding Space Economy
The success of Vikram-1 comes as India continues to encourage greater private participation in the space sector following policy reforms introduced in recent years. These reforms have enabled startups like Skyroot Aerospace to develop launch vehicles, satellites, and space technologies with increasing collaboration between government agencies and private companies.
Experts believe that achievements such as Vikram-1 will help India expand its share of the global commercial space market while attracting greater investment into domestic aerospace innovation.
A New Era for Indian Space Innovation
The successful launch of Vikram-1 and the congratulatory call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscore the growing importance of India’s private space industry. By recognising the achievements of the Skyroot team, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific excellence in shaping the country’s future.
With Mission Aagaman successfully completed, Skyroot Aerospace has established itself as a pioneering force in India’s commercial space ecosystem. The company’s achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs while reinforcing India’s emergence as a major player in the global space industry.