India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, is set for its maiden test flight on July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.Private space launch company Skyroot Aerospace announced the launch date, marking a significant milestone in India’s space industry.

The rocket, built with an all-carbon composite structure and in-house propulsion systems, is designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).The test flight will target a 450 km orbit at 60° inclination, carrying technology demonstration payloads from multiple partners.Skyroot’s CEO, Pawan Kumar Chandana, emphasized that this flight will provide critical data to establish a reliable launch cadence.

The project involves over 1,000 people, 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of effort, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in private space exploration.

The launch underscores the potential of private companies to contribute to space technology, addressing supply constraints in the small satellite market while meeting rising demand for satellite services.