PM Modi's 'Vande Mataram' message to fly into space on Skyroot's Vikram-1 Mission

Printed on a commemorative postcard that will fly aboard the rocket, the Prime Minister's message simply reads: "Vande Mataram."

Skyroot responds: 'A billion dreams... even more possibilities'

Responding to the Prime Minister's gesture, Skyroot released a note titled "A Billion Dreams... Even More Possibilities," highlighting the transformative role of satellites in modern life.

The company said satellites connect billions of people to the internet, enable precise navigation, support agriculture, improve weather forecasting, strengthen national security, aid disaster management, help combat climate change and will increasingly power the AI-driven world of the future.

The commemorative cards carrying PM Modi's message and public wishes are expected to fly beyond Earth's atmosphere during the Vikram-1 mission.

A milestone for India's private space sector

The Vikram-1 mission marks a significant moment for India's rapidly growing private space industry, which has expanded following government reforms that opened the sector to private participation.

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Centre established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), allowing startups access to ISRO's facilities and expertise while encouraging private investment and innovation.

Skyroot has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of these reforms.

The Prime Minister has frequently highlighted the achievements of Indian space startups and had earlier inaugurated Skyroot's headquarters and integrated spacecraft facility in Hyderabad.

Building on Vikram-S success

Named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the Vikram-1 rocket is designed to place satellites into orbit for customers in India and overseas.

The mission follows Skyroot's historic Vikram-S launch in 2022, which became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach space.

Unlike a suborbital flight, an orbital mission demands far greater precision, with every stage of the rocket, onboard software and critical systems required to perform flawlessly.

A successful launch would place Skyroot among a select group of private companies worldwide capable of independently delivering payloads into orbit.

Former ISRO scientists behind the venture

Skyroot was founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, who set out to make space access more affordable, reliable and responsive for customers around the world.

Chandana, the company's Chief Executive Officer, previously worked on launch vehicle technologies at ISRO, while Chief Operating Officer Daka specialised in rocket systems and programme execution.

Since its inception, the company has developed advanced propulsion systems, lightweight rocket structures and additive manufacturing technologies for the fast-growing small satellite market.

Its rapid growth has helped Skyroot become India's first private space unicorn, valued at over $1 billion, underscoring the country's emergence as a major player in the global commercial space industry.