PM Modi hails launch of India's first private rocket Vikram S, calls it ‘historic moment'

The launch of Vikram-S rocket marked the entry of private players in India's space sector. The 500-kg rocket travelled in an arc as seen in the live footage from the ISRO.

Updated on: Nov 18, 2022, 17:40:10 IST

By HT News Desk | Edited by Aryan Prakash

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the launch of Vikram-S, India's first private rocket which lifted off from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launchpad at Sriharikota.

“A historic moment for India as the rocket Vikram-S, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, took off from Sriharikota today! It is an important milestone in the journey of India’s private space industry. Congrats to @isro & @INSPACeIND for enabling this feat”, the prime minister tweeted.

Vikram-S lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. (AFP)

“This accomplishment bears testimony to the immense talent of our youth, who took full advantage of the landmark space sector reforms of June 2020. @SkyrootA”, Modi added.

The launch of Vikram-S rocket marked the entry of private players in India's space sector. The 500-kg rocket travelled in an arc as seen in the live footage from the ISRO.

The private rocket developed by Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace reached the peak altitude of 90 kilometres which is below the internationally recognised 100-km Kamran line that separates the earth from the outer space.

The startup was founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Deka in 2018. The company is eyeing to cut development costs by up to 90 per cent to launch small satellites, Reuters reported.

The company is hoping to achieve cost savings through rocket architecture which can be assembled in less than 72 hours using composite materials. Skyroot is planning launches which can deliver satellites.

The rockets are named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, revered as the father of India's space programme. The company is backed by Singaporean wealth fund GIC. It is the first space startup to sign an agreement for using ISRO's launch and test facilities following the Narendra Modi government's decision to allow private companies in space sector in 2020.

(With agency inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Home/Technology/PM Modi Hails Launch Of India's First Private Rocket Vikram S, Calls It ‘historic Moment'