New Delhi, July 18 -- Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Saturday hailed the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, calling it a "proud moment for every Indian" and a major milestone for the country's private space sector.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said the launch would not have been possible without Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision five to six years ago to open the space sector to private players.

"I would say congratulations, India. Every Indian is feeling proud, and, of course, congratulations to Skyroot for having become the first-ever private player to have executed this launch from Sriharikota. But let's not forge...