Vikram-S

History

2022: First Launch

On November 18, 2022, India successfully launched its first private space rocket, Vikram-S. This was an important development for a country making efforts to form a commercial space industry.

The 545-kilogram rocket was developed by space startup Skyroot Aerospace. It started from the site of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on the island of Sriharikota. The maximum flight altitude was 89.5 km, while the test program set a target of at least 80 km. The entire flight lasted about five minutes.

India launches first private space rocket

Vikram-S is a single-stage suborbital launch vehicle that took approximately two years to create. According to Skyroot Aerospace, the rocket is capable of speeds up to Mach 5 and carrying a payload of 83 kg to an altitude of up to 100 km. Solid fuel power plant is used. The rocket is named after Vikram Sarabhai, an Indian physicist and astronomer who is considered the father of the Indian space program.

Hyderabad-based firm Skyroot Aerospace, founded in 2018 with the support of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, became the first space start-up to sign an agreement to use ISRO's launch and test facilities after the government opened the door for private space companies in 2020. By November 2022, Skyroot Aerospace has raised an investment of 5.26 billion rupees ($64.42 million) for development. About 100 employees were involved in ensuring the first launch.

Vikram-S will help test and develop many of the technologies and elements that are planned to be used in the Vikram I, Vikram II and Vikram II orbital class rockets. Vikram I is scheduled to launch 2023 year.^[1]

Notes