Sriharikota, July 18 -- IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan K Goenka on Saturday said there was a minor issue during the initial automatic launch sequence of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, but it was quickly resolved, and the mission proceeded smoothly.

During a press conference, he said, "There was a small hiccup in the beginning in the automatic launch sequence, but it was a very minor thing. It was quickly rectified and restarted, and after that we had an absolutely smooth sail."

Goenka lauded the hard work which led to the success in the first attempt. "The team has worked extremely hard for many years to get to this point and succeed in the very first attempt," he added.

He congratulated ...