Skyroot Aerospace has announced that the maiden test flight of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, will take place between July 12 and August 4. The launch is contingent on the completion of assembly and testing at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota Range (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, as well as weather, safety, and range clearance.
Vikram-1 Rocket Specifications and Mission Details
Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle constructed with an all-carbon composite structure. It is powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO), the maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the flight-ready rocket in November 2025 during the inauguration of Skyroot's Infinity campus. All stages of Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked at the launch pad.
Mission Aagaman: Key Objectives
Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana stated, "The single most important objective of Mission Aagaman is to capture the real in-flight performance data from every system on Vikram-1." The mission will gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control, and overall vehicle performance. This data will support the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company.
Commercial Aspects and Customer Participation
This will be a partially commercial flight, with the company planning to commence full commercial operations after one or two successful orbital demonstrations. A mix of domestic and international customers will join the test flight.
Punjab Cabinet Approves Amendment to Regularize Unauthorized Colonies
In a separate development, the Punjab Cabinet, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved an amendment to Rule 31 of the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPR) Rules. This amendment aims to simplify the regularization process for eligible unauthorized colonies across the state.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
The decision, taken during a Council of Ministers meeting, enables regularization of unauthorized colonies where at least 25% of plots have already been built upon. Applications can be submitted either by the colony promoter or the Resident Welfare Association (RWA). The amended provisions apply to eligible colonies within notified Local Planning Areas and on agricultural land earmarked under Master Plans, except those falling under the Regional Plan of GMADA.
The last date for submission of applications under the amended rule is September 30, 2026. Unauthorized colonies whose applications were rejected under previous regularization policies are also eligible to apply.
Fees and Regularization Process
For residential and industrial colonies, a compounding fee equivalent to 5% of the prevailing collector rate on the gross area will be payable. Commercial colonies will attract a compounding fee of 10% of the prevailing commercial collector rate. After issuance of a provisional regularization certificate and payment of the prescribed fee, individual plot holders can obtain regularization certificates for their plots and secure approvals per building rules. Plot holders can also register their plots after depositing the regularization fee.
Where applications are submitted by RWAs, the provisions of RERA will not apply. However, the promoter or RWA is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals and No Objection Certificates from competent authorities and completing pending development works within the stipulated period.
Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The Government has fixed September 30, 2026 as the last date for submission of applications. Even those unauthorized colonies whose applications were rejected under previous regularization policies will now be eligible to apply under the amended Rule."
