PM Modi Unveils Vikram-I, India’s First Privately Developed Commercial Orbital Rocket

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace’s advanced Infinity Campus in Hyderabad and unveiled Vikram-I, India’s first privately developed commercial orbital rocket. The launch marks a defining moment for the country’s emerging private space sector, signalling India’s ambition to become a global hub for satellite launches.

Skyroot’s New Orbital Launch Capability

Vikram-I is Skyroot’s first orbital-class launch vehicle designed to place small satellites into low Earth orbit. The rocket represents a transition from the company’s earlier sub-orbital missions to full commercial launch services. Once operational, it is expected to significantly enhance India’s share in the global commercial space market.

Infinity Campus: A Major Boost To Private Space Manufacturing

The newly inaugurated Infinity Campus spans nearly 200,000 square feet and is equipped for designing, integrating and testing multiple launch vehicles. The facility has the capacity to manufacture one orbital rocket every month, strengthening India’s capability for rapid and affordable launch services.

Government Reforms Accelerating Space-Tech Growth

The Prime Minister highlighted policy measures that opened the space sector to private players, including the establishment of IN-SPACe and expanded industry access to ISRO’s infrastructure. These steps have enabled the rise of more than 300 space-tech startups in India, many founded by engineers and scientists working on next-generation launch and satellite technologies.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Vikram-I is India’s first privately built orbital rocket.
• Skyroot earlier launched Vikram-S, the first private sub-orbital rocket, in 2022.
• IN-SPACe is the regulatory body facilitating private participation in India’s space sector.
• The Infinity Campus can produce one orbital rocket per month.

India’s Expanding Startup And Deep-Tech Ecosystem

The unveiling of Vikram-I ties into India’s wider innovation landscape, which includes over 1.5 lakh registered startups across fintech, agritech, climate-tech and defence technology. The government’s focus on deep-tech manufacturing—such as semiconductor fabrication and advanced design hubs—supports the country’s ambition to strengthen global supply chains and expand high-technology exports.