New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): Singapore's High Commission in India on Friday expressed support for Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 mission, saying the launch reflects the growing partnership between Singapore and India in the space sector.

In a post on X, the High Commission said, 'Singapore-India ties are reaching for the stars!'

https://x.com/SGinIndia/status/2077957745006063822

It noted that Skyroot Aerospace, backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth funds GIC and Temasek, is set to undertake India's first private orbital launch.

'Backed by GIC & @Temasek, @SkyrootA is set to make India's first private orbital launch,' the High Commission said in the post.

The post comes as India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden test flight, 'Mission Aagaman', from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18 at 11:30 AM.

The 24-metre rocket marks the first time an Indian private company will attempt to place satellites into orbit using its own launch vehicle, independent of a government-developed rocket or launch vehicle programme.

Built entirely with a lightweight carbon-composite structure, Vikram-1 is powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module.

The mission is designed to deploy payloads weighing up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a 60-degree inclination. Among its payloads is a lab-grown 'Diamond Lotus' developed by Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds.

Speaking to ANI, IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajesh Jothi said the mission reflects the rapid growth of India's private space sector following the space sector reforms announced in 2020.

'We are seeing the growth of the private sector. We started with hardly five or six startup companies, and today we have more than 400 startups. This has happened because of the government space reforms in 2020, after which IN-SPACe was formed in 2022. The vision of our Prime Minister is now being implemented, and we are seeing the outcome of the space policy,' he said.

He said Vikram-1's success could significantly boost India's commercial launch capabilities.

'Skyroot is now going to launch its first maiden launch vehicle, which will be the first of its kind. Not only in India, but outside India as well, only one or two countries have such a small satellite launch vehicle. If this succeeds, it is going to give a boost to both the small satellite market and the small launch vehicle market,' he added.

Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Naga Bharath Daka said the company was founded eight years ago with the objective of building affordable and reliable launch services from India for global satellite operators.

'We started Skyroot around eight years ago with an aim to build affordable, reliable rockets from India to the world and provide affordable, reliable and on-demand launch access solutions for satellite operators around the world. All our effort and the team's effort are culminating today in this historic milestone,' he said. (ANI)