Prime Minister Modi shared his thoughts after the successful launch of Vikram-1, the first private orbital rocket. He admitted that his decision to privatize the space sector had caused doubts, but the success of this launch proved the correctness of his move.
Assessment of Space Privatization
Speaking to Pawan Kumar Chandan, CEO and founder of Skyroot Aerospace, and Naveen Bharat Dake, co-founder, via phone from Delhi, Modi noted that the achievement of the Skyroot team confirmed the validity of his decision. He emphasized that the company's success demonstrates the necessity of the government placing full trust in India's youth and providing them with opportunities to work.
Significance of the Achievement for India
Modi called this moment a 'watershed moment in India's space journey,' as the country has become the third in the world, alongside the USA and China, possessing its own capability for private orbital launches. He also stated on social media platform X that the growing participation of the private sector opens new horizons and accelerates innovation, inspiring young people to dream bigger and act without fear.
Reaction of Project Participants
Pawan Kumar Chandan, speaking on behalf of his team, thanked the government and ISRO for their support, guidance, and for granting launch permissions without delays. He also informed the Prime Minister that the rocket was fully designed and assembled by an Indian team. The CEO of Skyroot, India's first space unicorn, conveyed to Modi that his handwritten card with the inscription 'Vande Mataram' reached space.
Mission Details and Support
A day before the launch, Chandan revealed that in addition to six payloads being sent to low Earth orbit at an altitude of 450 km, Vikram-1 also carries a special message to the Universe from Prime Minister Modi, as well as handwritten messages from the team, investors, politicians, and friends from around the world. Modi explained that he wrote only these two words because the world is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the national song inspired many to live and die for the country.
Comments from Dignitaries
Minister of Space Jitendra Singh, who virtually witnessed the launch in Sriharikota, stated that without the bold decision of Prime Minister Modi to open India's space sector to private enterprise, the country would not have seen this historic event. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan congratulated the team, noting that this is a proud day not only for Skyroot but for the entire nation, as a private Indian company has joined the exclusive club of countries capable of independently launching spacecraft into space. He stressed that this launch represents years of work by over a thousand people and the efforts of nearly four hundred suppliers.
Regulator's Conclusion
Chairman of the space industry regulator IN-SPACe, Pawan Goenka, noted that what the world witnessed is the result of years of work by the team, partners, and suppliers across the country. He concluded that this proves India's talent, technology, and industrial strength to create launch vehicles that meet global standards and to serve the world from India.
