This Rocket Report rounds up several developments in commercial spaceflight, including India’s first privately developed rocket reaching orbit and SpaceX preparing another Starship test launch. These milestones matter because they signal expanding launch capacity and competition, while US officials are also considering unconventional ways to reduce pressure on existing spaceports.

– India’s Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket into a roughly 450km orbit, making it India’s first fully commercial satellite launcher to reach orbit.
– The 22-metre Vikram-1 can carry up to 350kg to low-Earth orbit and used three solid-fuelled stages plus a liquid-fuelled fourth stage.
– SpaceX delayed Starship’s 13th test flight after a last-second abort on 16 July; following engine replacements, launch was scheduled for Friday evening.
– The US Interior Department is seeking public input on whether inactive offshore oil platforms could be converted into rocket launch sites, potentially easing congestion and improving resilience.