Synopsis

India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, will launch Saturday into low earth orbit. The rocket will deploy multiple technology demonstration payloads, both domestic and foreign. It will also carry a micro-art payload and a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This launch marks the private space sector's entry into the orbital launch market. Engineering data from this test flight will guide future commercial satellite missions.

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India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace' Vikram-1 will on Saturday soar into a low earth orbit (LEO) to place multiple technology demonstration payloads--both domestic and foreign.

Besides, it will also deploy a micro-art payload and a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the message "Vande Mataram", along with postcards from engineers, scientists, and Indian astronauts.

The PM termed the initiative as "a historic new frontier" for India's space journey.

He said that this four-stage rocket is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services.

"A historic new frontier for India's space journey! At 11.30 am today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle," Modi said on 'X'.

The prime minister said that this mission highlights the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth and it shows how Indian space sector reforms are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.

"My best wishes to the entire Skyroot Aerospace team for a successful launch. May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators," he said.

Modi also urged all Indians, especially "my young friends, to follow this historic mission and join in wishing Team Skyroot success using #IndiaWithVikram1".

Dubbed "Mission Aagaman", the launch marks the entry of the country's private space sector into the orbital launch market, spearheaded by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace.

"The four-stage rocket is set to launch from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota," the company said.

The seven-storey-tall Vikram-1 rocket will lift off at a prefixed time of 11.30 am on Saturday from the first launch pad, marking a new era from this spaceport.

After its ascent, the primary payloads -- technology demonstrators from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot's SCOPE -- will be deployed into a 450 km LEO.

The engineering data collected during this test flight will be analysed to validate guidance and navigation systems, and to guide future refinements for commercial satellite missions, Skyroot Aerospace said.

The rocket is designed to carry 350 kg of satellite payloads to space, the company said on its website.