Spaceflight has carried everything from satellites and scientific instruments to memorial capsules and plant seeds beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Soon, another unusual payload will join that list.
A specially engineered diamond is set to become the first of its kind to travel to space aboard Vikram-1, the maiden orbital launch vehicle developed by Indian private space company Skyroot Aerospace.
While the payload may appear symbolic at first glance, its purpose is rooted firmly in science.
The mission will examine how an advanced material performs in one of the harshest environments known, while also reflecting the growing ambition of India's private space industry.
