Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace unveiled the country's first privately designed and developed orbital-class rocket, named 'Vikram 1'. The multi-stage launch vehicle is anticipated to perform its maiden flight to space in early 2024. The rocket was unveiled at 'Max-Q', the company's newest headquarters in Hyderabad, that was inaugurated by Jitendra Singh, Union Science and Technology minister.
While unveiling the Vikram-1 rocket, Skyroot's co-founder and COO Bharath Daka said, "It is a moment of great pride." The firm currently employs nearly 300 personnel and has received over Rs 500 crore ($62.5 million) in investment, said co-founder Pawan K Chandana. Additionally, he said that his company has the largest private rocket development centre in South Asia.
About Vikram-1:
1) The launch vehicle name 'Vikram' is a tribute to Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of India's space programme.
2) The Vikram-1 is one of the 'elite few' rockets in the globe capable of deploying orbital satellites, according to Skyroot.
3) The Vikram-1 vehicle has the capacity to deliver payloads weighing between 290-480 kg to orbits 500 kilometres above the earth, according to Skyroot.
4) The rocket is constructed an all-carbon-bodied and is capable of launching numerous satellites into orbit. Additionally, it has 3D-printed liquid engines on it.
5) The Vikram-1 is as tall as a seven-story building. This is the firm's second rocket after 'Vikram-S'. Vikram S was the country's first privately-built rocket, successfully launched in November 2022.
6) After launching the Vikram-S rocket last year, Skyroot became the country's first firm to launch a private rocket from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
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