India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket Vikram-1 set for July 18 lift-off

Updated: July 17, 2026, 6:39 PM IST – Bengaluru By: Hemanth C.S.

India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, is scheduled for launch on July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

Private space launch company Skyroot Aerospace announced on Thursday (July 16, 2026) that it will attempt to launch Vikram-1 from the spaceport’s first launch pad at 11:30 a.m.

“We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on the ground. On July 18, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in a real flight environment for the first time. This is our first test flight, and we will be getting valuable data from it. This will be foundational to Skyroot’s aspirations of establishing a launch cadence. We are excited to see this through.”

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— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace

Vehicle and Mission Details

Skyroot confirmed that all stages of Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked on the launch pad. Final integrated checks of the vehicle, along with interface checks with all telemetry ground stations and tracking radars, have been completed from Skyroot’s launch control centre.

Key specifications of Vikram-1:

• Seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle
• Built with an all-carbon composite structure
• Powered by in-house-developed propulsion systems, including:
• 3D-printed engines
• High-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters
• Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• First test flight targeting a 450 km orbit at 60° inclination

Payloads

Vikram-1 will carry technology demonstration payloads from:

• Grahaa Space
• Cosmoserve
• DCubed
• Skyroot’s own SCOPE

Additionally, the rocket will carry Cosmos Diamonds’ artwork “Cosmic Bloom” and a micro-art piece.

Industry and Strategic Context

“The small satellite launch market is deeply constrained on the supply side. At the same time, the demand for services enabled by satellites in space will only continue to grow, and that is where Skyroot’s opportunity lies. The clearance of Vikram-1 for flight following rigorous testing is a defining milestone in India’s space journey. This first test flight marks the beginning of Skyroot’s aspiration to open space for all.”

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— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace

Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO of Skyroot Aerospace, said the launch represents:

• The hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people
• Contributions from over 400 suppliers
• Nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India

“This test flight will show us how every technology we have developed over the years performs in real-world conditions. With the in-flight data gathered from this mission, we will return to the shop floor to learn, improve, and build further. This test flight is the first step towards creating a reliable, on-demand launch company for the world from India.”

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— Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

Published: July 16, 2026, 5:28 PM IST