Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket today from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. Mission Aagaman was the first attempt by a private Indian company to launch an orbital rocket from Indian soil. Vikram-1's successful launch has marked the entry of India into the global private orbital launch market. Vikram-1, the first orbital launch vehicle built entirely by a private Indian company, marks a major step in a push to beef up India’s commercial space capabilities.Also Read: Pawan Kumar Chandana: Meet India's Elon Musk, the Skyroot CEO who once scored 50 in maths and is now sending Vikram-1 into spaceWhat is Vikram 1? Vikram-1 is a multi-stage orbital launch vehicle developed entirely by Skyroot Aerospace. Standing about seven storeys tall, the rocket features an all-carbon composite structure and uses propulsion systems developed in-house, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid rocket boosters. The vehicle is designed to place small satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). During its maiden test flight, Vikram-1 will target an orbit of 450 km at an inclination of 60 degrees.What will Vikram-1 carry? The rocket carried multiple technology demonstration payloads from: Grahaa Space Cosmoserve DCubed Skyroot Aerospace's own SCOPE payload In addition, the mission will carry "Cosmic Bloom", an artwork by Cosmos Diamonds, along with a micro-art payload. Why is the launch significant? Mission Aagaman represents the entry of India's private space sector into the orbital launch market. It was the first flight of an orbital-class launch vehicle designed, developed and integrated by a private Indian company. The mission also marks Skyroot Aerospace's second launch after the successful Vikram-S suborbital mission in November 2022, which became the first private rocket to reach space from India.What is the objective of the test flight? According to Skyroot Aerospace, the July 18 mission is primarily a technology demonstration flight aimed at validating the performance of the rocket and its onboard systems in actual flight conditions.Also Read: Skyroot Vikram-1 launch time: When will India's first private orbital rocket lift off? Data collected during the mission will be used to assess the vehicle's performance, improve future versions of the rocket and support the company's plans to establish regular launch operations.Skyroot's long-term plans The company aims to build a reliable, on-demand launch service for small satellites from India. Skyroot says the maiden flight of Vikram-1 is an important milestone toward validating its launch technology and supporting future commercial missions in the growing global small satellite launch market.