Here’s all you need to know about Vikram S:
- The rocket is named after
Vikram Sarabhai , considered the father of India’s space programme. - Vikram S — built by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace — is a small-lift launch vehicle and the first of the series of three rockets.
- Vikram rockets could be assembled and launched in less than 72 hours.
- Under the mission, named ‘Prarambh’ (the beginning), Vikram-I will carry payloads of two Indian and one foreign customers into space from the launchpad at Sriharikota. The overall duration of the launch is only around 300 seconds.
- Vikram-S will soar to an altitude of 81 km around 139 secsonds after its launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The rocket will go to a maximum altitude of 101 km and splash into the sea.
- Vikram-S is a single-stage spin-stabilised solid propellant rocket, built on upgradeable architecture with carbon composite and 3D-printed motors, with a mass of approximately 550 kg.
- Its technology offers unique capabilities like multi-orbit insertion, interplanetary missions while providing customised, dedicated and ride-share options covering a wide spectrum of small satellite customer needs.
What is a sub-orbital mission?
A sub-orbital spaceflight is when a spacecraft leaves the gravitational field from which it was launched and travels through space on a trajectory that crosses the atmosphere or surface of that body. The spaceflight is unable to complete revolving an orbit. Sub-orbital missions are aimed at lower altitudes than an orbit. These are considered crucial as experimentation before the launch of a spacecraft in an actual orbit.
Skyroot Aerospace
Skyroot Aerospace has become the first startup in India to be authorised for launching a rocket for the Indian space programme, after the sector was opened to private players by the Centre in 2020. The startup was set up in mid-2018. It has been developing solid, liquid and cryogenic rocket stages for its Vikram series rockets for two years.
India’s space regulator IN-SPACe on Wednesday authorised the launch of Skyroot’s Vikram-S sub-orbital vehicle.
“This is a giant leap for the private space sector in India. Congratulations to Skyroot for becoming the first Indian company to be authorised for launching a rocket,” Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre Chairman Pawan Goenka had said.
(With inputs from agencies)
