New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the satellite launch ecosystem, as he virtually inaugurated the Infinity Campus of private space company Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad.

The Prime Minister also unveiled Vikram-I, Skyroot’s first orbital rocket capable of launching satellites into space. The newly launched state-of-the-art campus spans 2 lakh sq ft, designed for the end-to-end design, development, integration and testing of multiple launch vehicles, with the capability to produce one orbital rocket every month. The rocket series is named in honour of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme.

Addressing the gathering via video conference, PM Modi said India’s space sector is witnessing “an unprecedented opportunity”, driven by private participation and entrepreneurial ambition.

“Skyroot’s Infinity Campus reflects new thinking, innovation and youth power. Our youth’s innovation, risk-taking ability and entrepreneurship are touching new heights. Today’s event shows that in the future, India will emerge as a leader in the global satellite launch ecosystem,” he said.

He recalled that India’s space journey began with modest resources, yet progressed to become one of the most trusted launch capabilities in the world.

“From carrying rocket parts on a bicycle to creating the world’s most reliable launch vehicle, India has proved that dreams are fulfilled not by resources, but by resolve. ISRO has given a new flight to India’s space journey for decades,” the PM added.

Modi also congratulated Skyroot founders Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, calling them role models for young space entrepreneurs.

“You trusted yourselves and did not shy away from taking risks. The nation is proud of you,” he said.

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Skyroot, founded by former ISRO scientists Chandana and Dhaka, both IIT alumni, became the first Indian private company to send a rocket into space when it launched Vikram-S in November 2022.