Page 31 - NIS English 16-31 Aug, 2026

Space Exploration | NATION

National Space Day has become an occasion of excitement and
inspiration for India’s youth a source of pride for the nation

A Strong Foundation for
Future Commercial Orbital
Launch Services

Vikram-1 is the country’s first privately
developed orbital launch vehicle. It has the A Transformation in the
capability to deliver a payload of up to 350
kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Standing Space Ecosystem
approximately 22 meters tall, this launch India’s space ecosystem has undergone
vehicle incorporates several indigenous a tremendous transformation since the
technological achievements, such as India’s pivotal reforms introduced in 2020.
first all-carbon-composite orbital rocket, a While there was virtually no private
100% 3D-printed liquid engine powering launch ecosystem just a few years ago,
its orbital adjustment module, an advanced today India is home to over 400 space
ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation startups. Skyroot, the startup behind
system, and one of the country’s Vikram-1, is also the country’s first
longest monolithic carbon-composite space unicorn.
rocket stages. This successful mission Billion is the milestone
validated critical propulsion, avionics, $9 that indian space
telemetry, navigation, and flight- economy is approaching
control systems, thereby laying Billion, the national goal
a robust foundation for future for the space economy
commercial orbital launch services $44+ over the next decade.
in India.
The success of Vikram-1 demonstrates
how policy reforms can accelerate

innovation. n

Congratulations on the successful launch
of Vikram-1. This is a defining moment in

India’s space journey. The growing
participation of our private sector is
opening up new horizons and driving
innovation. This achievement will
encourage countless young people to
dream big and innovate fearlessly.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Aug 16-31, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 29