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Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Completes India's First Private Orbital Launch
On July 18, 2026, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully completed its first orbital test flight, placing its payloads into orbit at approximately 450 kilometers altitude. This marks the first time an orbital launch vehicle developed entirely by India's private sector has reached orbit. The solid-propellant light launcher represents a major milestone for India's commercial space industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on the achievement, while the company announced the successful launch on the X platform.