The Skyroot Launch: India's New Frontier in Space Innovation
PM Modi unveils Skyroot's orbital rocket, lauding India's strides in private space tech, heralding a new era in global leadership.
In a historic stepping stone for India’s burgeoning private space sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled Skyroot Aerospace’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I. Through virtual inauguration, Modi launched Skyroot’s cutting-edge Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, underscoring India’s momentum as a rising global leader in space technology. According to The Hans India, Skyroot represents a major leap in India’s privatized space innovation landscape.
Skyroot’s New Horizon
Spanning 200,000 square feet, Infinity Campus is equipped with advanced facilities to design, integrate, and test launch vehicles, boasting capacity to produce an orbital rocket every month. Founded by IIT alumni and ex-ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, Skyroot marked a milestone by launching Vikram-S, India’s first private sub-orbital rocket last year.
Triumph of Innovation and Reforms
The event highlighted the nation’s thriving private space sector following significant government reforms. With over 300 space startups, India is on the cusp of becoming a global leader. Emphasizing the importance of innovation driven by youth and the entrepreneurial spirit, Modi shared a vision of technological self-reliance, spanning sectors like AI and high-tech industries.
Visionary Plans for the Future
Prime Minister Modi also announced ambitious plans such as the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Fund to support high-impact projects. Upcoming endeavors include hosting the Global AI Summit in 2026 and launching the India AI Mission to pioneer ethical AI technologies.
Broadening Horizons in STEM and Beyond
Acknowledging the growing semiconductor industry and inclusion of women in STEM fields, Modi noted forthcoming reforms, even envisioning private participation in the nuclear sector. The PM’s vision reflects the broader startup revolution, mushrooming across diverse fields like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and defense tech.
Declaration of a New Dawn
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries celebrated at the event, symbolizing the success heralded by recent government reforms. Skyroot’s project marks a pivotal leap for India’s technological ambitions, positioning the nation on a promising path towards innovative leadership on Earth, and beyond.
As the PM stated, “The 21st century belongs to India—on Earth and in space.” This landmark event encapsulates a new dawn for India’s space ambitions, rooted in a collaborative and innovation-driven ecosystem.