India’s private space sector is set to achieve a major milestone as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepares for the maiden launch of its Vikram-1 rocket on Saturday at 11:30 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Named Mission Aagaman, the launch marks the first flight of a fully privately designed and developed multi-stage orbital rocket from Indian soil, signalling a new chapter for India’s commercial space industry.
To allow the public to witness the historic event, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has opened registrations for the Sriharikota Launch Viewing Gallery, where visitors can watch the launch live.
What Is Vikram-1?
Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, Vikram-1 is an orbital-class launch vehicle developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
Key highlights include:
- Nearly seven storeys tall with an all-carbon composite structure
- Designed to place satellites weighing up to 350 kg into low-Earth orbit
- Target orbit of 450 km at a 60-degree inclination
- Powered by high-thrust solid-fuel boosters and in-house 3D-printed engines
The maiden mission will carry technology demonstration payloads from domestic and international companies, including Grahaa Space, DCubed, Cosmoserve and Skyroot’s proprietary SCOPE platform. It will also carry a micro-art installation called Cosmic Bloom.
How To Watch The Launch Live From Sriharikota
ISRO’s Launch Viewing Gallery at Sriharikota has opened registrations for members of the public.
The facility can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors and offers an unobstructed view of the launch pad. Large display screens will provide live commentary, technical updates and launch coverage before, during and after liftoff.
How To Book A Spot
Visitors can reserve their entry through the official ISRO Launch Viewing Gallery portal by completing the online registration process.
To register, keep the following ready:
- Valid government-issued ID proof
- Mobile number
- Email address
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is recommended.
A Milestone For India’s Private Space Industry
Mission Aagaman represents a significant step in opening India’s space sector to private players. The successful launch of Vikram-1 is expected to strengthen India’s growing commercial launch capabilities and expand opportunities for small satellite deployment in the global space market.