In News:

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman, making it India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle to place satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With this achievement, India became the third country after the US and China where a private company has independently reached orbit on its maiden mission.

About Vikram-1

Vikram-1 is an orbital launch vehicle developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme. It follows the successful Vikram-S suborbital mission (2022), but unlike its predecessor, Vikram-1 successfully achieved orbit. It is designed to carry 300–480 kg payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), targeting the rapidly expanding small satellite launch market.

Key Features

• Carbon Composite Structure: Extensive use of lightweight carbon composites improves payload capacity and fuel efficiency.
• 3D-Printed Raman Engine: Uses a liquid-fuelled 3D-printed engine for precise orbital insertion while reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
• Solid Propulsion: Lower stages employ advanced Kalam-series solid rocket motors for high thrust and reliability.
• Symbolic Payload: Carried Cosmic Bloom artwork and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket featuring microscopic sculptures of C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Government Initiatives Supporting the Private Space Sector

India's private space ecosystem has been enabled through a series of policy reforms:

• Indian Space Policy, 2023: Opened the entire space value chain to private entities and designated NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as ISRO's commercial arm.
• IN-SPACe: Functions as the single-window regulator facilitating authorisation, technology transfer, and access to ISRO infrastructure.
• Financial Support:
  • IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme: Grants up to ?1 crore for startups and MSMEs.
  • ?1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund to promote early-stage space ventures.
  • ?500 crore Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) for commercialising indigenous technologies.
• Liberalised FDI Policy: Permits 74% automatic FDI in satellite manufacturing and operations, 49% in launch vehicles and spaceports, and 100% in satellite components and subsystems.

India's Progress in the Private Space Sector

India's reforms have accelerated the growth of the commercial space ecosystem.

• Space startups increased from 1 in 2014 to over 400 in 2026.
• India's space economy is projected to grow from USD 8.4 billion to USD 40–45 billion by 2030, and USD 100 billion by 2040.
• Major milestones include:
  • NSIL's commercial LVM3-OneWeb mission.
  • Vikram-S (2022)—India's first privately developed rocket.
  • Agnikul Cosmos (2024)—first private launch from India's private launch pad using a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
  • IN-SPACe's approval of Pixxel's PPP Earth Observation constellation.
  • Transfer of SSLV technology to HAL and demonstration of Bellatrix's indigenous Green Propulsion System.