CM Revanth Reddy Flags Off Hyderabad’s Vikram Rocket for Sriharikota

Hyderabad: In a significant milestone for India’s private space sector and the burgeoning aerospace ecosystem in Telangana, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy today officially flagged off the “Vikram” rocket from the Skyroot Aerospace facility in Hyderabad. The rocket, a flagship project of the Hyderabad-based startup, is now en route to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for its scheduled launch. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister hailed the event as a proud moment for the state, emphasizing that Telangana is rapidly becoming the undisputed hub for space technology and innovation in India.

He noted that the success of local startups like Skyroot demonstrates the state’s world-class infrastructure and the talent of its engineers, further solidifying Hyderabad’s reputation as a “Global Aerospace City.” The Vikram rocket series, named in honor of the father of the Indian space program, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is specifically designed to provide cost-effective and reliable launch solutions for small satellites, a market that is seeing explosive growth globally. The Chief Minister spent time interacting with the young scientists and founders of the company, praising their grit in competing on an international stage alongside global giants.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing a “plug-and-play” environment for tech companies, ensuring that bureaucratic hurdles do not hinder scientific progress. Following the formal flagging-off ceremony, the heavily guarded convoy carrying the rocket components began its journey toward the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The upcoming launch at Sriharikota is being closely monitored by ISRO and international space observers, as it represents a crucial test for the “Vikram” platform’s orbital capabilities.

For Telangana, today’s event serves as a powerful testament to the success of its industrial policies aimed at attracting high-tech manufacturing and research. As the rocket left the city limits, it carried with it not just advanced satellite technology, but the aspirations of a state determined to lead India’s charge into the final frontier. Officials from the Department of Space and various state ministers were present at the event, marking it as one of the most high-profile industrial milestones of the current administration. With the launch window approaching, the eyes of the nation now turn toward Sriharikota, awaiting the moment this Hyderabad-made marvel pierces the sky.