Rocket in space to serve people on the ground

India's first privately built orbital launch vehicle, Vikram-1, built by Skyroot Aerospace, successfully reached space after lifting off from Sriharikota on July 18, 2026.

Vikram-1 carries small satellites (up to 350 kgs) into orbit to enable faster and affordable space-derived information for development sectors.

Space technology combined with AI and digital platforms can provide near-real-time data for agriculture, such as crop health monitoring and location-specific farming recommendations.

Satellites can improve early warning systems for cyclones, floods, and heat waves by monitoring forests, rivers, glaciers, and other environmental factors.

The launch represents a public-private partnership that advances India from a space power to a technology-enabled development power.