Gujarat’s first sounding rocket launched near Dholera

Gujarat entered a new chapter in space research on Saturday after the state’s first sounding rocket was successfully launched from Bavliyari near Dholera, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing private space industry.

The rocket was developed and launched Ahmedabad-basd startup by Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited. It lifted off from a temporary launch facility at Bavliyari at 1 pm in the presence of Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Minister for Science and Technology, along with scientists, government officials and industry representatives.

Speaking after the launch, Modhwadia said the mission represented an important step towards technological self-reliance. He added that under the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–2030, the state is encouraging startups and young innovators to develop indigenous space technologies.

The single-stage sub-orbital sounding rocket was designed to test advanced systems, including propulsion technology, avionics and an autonomous recovery mechanism. During the mission, the rocket reached an altitude of about 3 kilometres, successfully completing its primary technical objectives.

A mini satellite payload designed to collect weather-related data was also installed on board, demonstrating the rocket’s potential for scientific research and atmospheric monitoring.

Officials from Omspace said the rocket’s airframe was constructed using carbon fibre and advanced composite materials developed at the company’s laboratory in Ahmedabad under the Make in India initiative.

Ravindra Raj, founder and chief executive of the company, described the launch as a breakthrough for both the startup and the state.

He said the successful mission showed that private Indian companies are capable of designing and developing advanced space technologies domestically.

The launch was carried out with approvals and technical coordination from the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Indian Coast Guard to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

The mission was also conducted under the authorisation of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the national regulatory body responsible for facilitating private sector participation in India’s space activities.