In space and on track: India marks twin milestones under 48 hours with Vikram-1 launch, first hydrogen train

Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital rocket, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under Mission Aagaman.

Vikram-1 can carry up to 350 kg payload to a 450-km Low Earth Orbit, supporting communications, navigation, Earth observation and scientific research.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first indigenously built hydrogen-powered train, placing India among nations using clean-energy rail technology.

The rocket features an all-carbon composite structure, four-stage configuration with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid-fuelled orbital adjustment module, and 3D-printed components.

The milestone follows reforms under Indian Space Policy 2023, which opened the space value chain to private participation.