Odisha engineer Pritisha Banerjee key to Skyroot Vikram-1 launch
Pritisha Banerjee from Titlagarh tested rocket software for Skyroot Aerospace’s successful Vikram-1 orbital launch on July 18, 2026.
Pritisha Banerjee, an aerospace engineer from Titlagarh in Balangir district of Odisha, played a key role in Skyroot Aerospace’s successful first orbital test flight of its indigenously built Vikram-1 rocket on July 18, 2026. The launch took place from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Banerjee was responsible for testing the rocket’s software, which she described as its brain, helping the rocket reach Earth’s orbit. She said her childhood dream of becoming an aerospace scientist and working in space technology has turned into reality.
The Hyderabad-based private space-tech startup completed the milestone with the Vikram-1. Banerjee told ETV Bharat that being part of the mission meant “Something great, very great. I was given the responsibility of testing the rocket’s software, which is its brain. I feel extremely happy to be a part of the mission.”
What role did Pritisha Banerjee play in the mission?
Working alongside engineers and scientists, Banerjee studied more than 100 failed cases related to rocket launches. The team then developed a successful model after analysing the problems in depth. “Until ignition, a rocket is controlled by humans. After ignition, however, the software takes over and controls its functioning,” she explained.
An aerospace engineer, she was entrusted with testing and ensuring the successful functioning of the rocket’s software. The model helped the Skyroot rocket successfully reach Earth’s orbit. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work under the guidance and with the support of senior scientists, including former ISRO Chairman S Somanath and other scientists associated with the Indian space programme,” she said.
How did she build her path to aerospace engineering?
Banerjee completed her schooling at Centenary School in Titlagarh before pursuing a BTech in Electrical Engineering at the Kalahandi Engineering College. During her eighth semester, she travelled to Pune for an internship at a company.
“The CEO there asked me about my future goals. I told him about my dream, my plan to start a rocket company within five years and my desire to clean up the junk in space. And immediately he gave me around 60 to 70 skill points to work on. I studied them and worked on improving myself. In the meantime, I also got the opportunity to work with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for one year and five months,” she explained.
She later joined Skyroot Aerospace, where she worked with senior scientists, including those who had retired from ISRO. “I had dreamt of becoming an aerospace scientist and working in the field of space technology. Today, that has turned into reality,” Banerjee said.
What has been the response after the launch?
After the mission was successfully launched, Banerjee and her family have been receiving widespread appreciation. She is yet to return to her home town, where friends and family are waiting eagerly to welcome her.
“Around 80 per cent of my friends opted for IT. But I dreamt of something different and I am happy that I could finally join the space science league in the real sense,” she said.
Who is Pritisha Banerjee?
Pritisha Banerjee is an aerospace engineer from Titlagarh in Balangir district of Odisha who played a key role in Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket mission.
What was Pritisha Banerjee’s role in the Skyroot mission?
She was responsible for testing the rocket’s software, which she called its brain, and helped ensure its successful functioning.
When and where was the Vikram-1 rocket launched?
Skyroot Aerospace launched its first orbital test flight of the indigenously built Vikram-1 rocket on July 18, 2026, from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
What is Pritisha Banerjee’s educational background?
She completed schooling at Centenary School in Titlagarh and a BTech in Electrical Engineering at Kalahandi Engineering College.
How many failed rocket cases did the team study?
Pritisha Banerjee and the team studied more than 100 failed cases related to rocket launches before developing a successful model.
Did she work with former ISRO Chairman S Somanath?
Yes, she said she was grateful for the opportunity to work under the guidance and support of senior scientists including former ISRO Chairman S Somanath.
What did she do during her internship in Pune?
During her eighth semester internship in Pune, she shared her dream of starting a rocket company within five years and cleaning space junk; the CEO gave her around 60 to 70 skill points to work on. She also worked with DRDO for one year and five months.
Has Pritisha Banerjee returned to Titlagarh after the launch?
She is yet to come back to her home town, where friends and family are waiting eagerly to welcome her.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
View all articles by Suresh →
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