Space Balance
Vikram-1 reaching orbit marks an important transition in India’s space journey.
Vikram-1 reaching orbit marks an important transition in India’s space journey.
The government projects India's space economy to grow from about USD 8.4 billion today to USD 40-45 billion by 2030 and USD 100 billion by 2040. Vikram-1 arrives as private companies take on a larger role in launch services and space technology.
India's private space ecosystem has expanded from just one startup in 2014 to more than 400 in 2026. Vikram-1's successful mission comes as the government highlights reforms aimed at opening the entire space value chain to private participation.
The maiden mission carried multiple commercial and symbolic payloads, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handwritten "Vande Mataram" postcard, before completing payload deployment into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit.
Mission Aagaman is Skyroot Aerospace's second space mission after the 2022 Vikram-S flight and carries symbolic payloads, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handwritten "Vande Mataram" postcard along with messages from the company's team and supporters.
