Gujarat Tested Its First Sounding Rocket Successfully Launched Near Dholera

Gujarat has created history after its first sounding rocket was successfully launched near Dholera on March 15, 2026. This mission took place at Bavliyari village near Dholera. And it is marking the state’s entry into India’s growing private space technology ecosystem. This rocket was developed by Ahmedabad based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited. This launch conducted around at 1 PM from a temporary launch facility in the presence of Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Minister for Science and Technology.

Omspace Rocket Launch Near Dholera: Mission Details

The Omspace sounding rocket launch near Dholera represent a major milestone for Gujarat’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

This mission was designed to test advanced rocket technologies and demonstrate the capabilities of private companies in India’s space sector.

The single stage sub orbital sounding rocket successfully reached an altitude of around 3 kilometres.

And its completing its primary technical objectives during the flight.

According to officials the rocket tested several systems that are essential for future aerospace missions.

Key Systems Tested During The Launch

Advanced propulsion technology

Avionics and onboard control systems

Autonomous recovery mechanism

This successful mission proved that Indian startups can design and test space launch systems domestically.

Mini Satellite Payload for Weather Data Collection

A major highlight of the Gujarat sounding rocket launch was the integration of a mini satellite payload onboard the rocket.

This payload was designed to collect weather related atmospheric data during the mission.

This inclusion of this scientific payload demonstrated how sounding rockets can be used for research and atmospheric monitoring.

These missions help scientists study weather patterns, atmospheric conditions and environmental parameters at different altitudes.

Advanced Materials Used in Omspace Rocket

According to Ravindra Raj who is the founder and CEO of Omspace Rocket and Exploration the rocket’s airframe was built using carbon fibre and advanced composite materials.

These materials were developed at the company’s Ahmedabad laboratory under the Make in India initiative.

Lightweight composites help improve rocket performance by reducing structural weight while maintaining high strength.

The successful launch showed that Indian private startups are capable of developing advanced aerospace materials and technologies locally.

Regulatory Support for Gujarat Sounding Rocket Launch

The Dholera sounding rocket launch was conducted with approvals and technical coordination from several national agencies to ensure safety and compliance.

The mission received support from,

• Airports Authority of India
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation
• Indian Coast Guard

In addition the launch was carried out under authorization from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the regulatory body responsible for enabling private sector participation in India’s space activities.

Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025-2030 and Startup Support

This successful Gujarat sounding rocket launch aligns with the state government’s Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025-2030.

In which it aims to encourage startups and innovators in the space technology sector.

According to Minister Arjun Modhwadia the policy focuses on promoting indigenous space technologies and strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.

The state government is actively supporting startups that develop advanced technologies in aerospace, satellite systems, and space research.

The launch near Dholera, which is also emerging as a major industrial and technology hub, reflects Gujarat’s ambition to become a key centre for India’s private space industry.

Question

Q. Gujarat’s first sounding rocket was launched near which location?

A. Gandhinagar
B. Dholera
C. Surat
D. Vadodara