Skyroot’s Vikram 1

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

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Skyroot’s Vikram 1 Rocket

Skyroot Aerospace unveils Vikram-1 rocket, scheduled for full launch next year

Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, unveiled Skyroot’s Vikram-1 orbital rocket in Hyderabad, which is expected to deliver satellites to low Earth orbit early next year.

In a momentous event for India’s space industry, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, unveiled Skyroot’s Vikram-1 orbital rocket in Hyderabad on Tuesday, October 24th. With the hope of achieving a fully commercial launch in the later months of 2024, Skyroot’s co-founder and CEO, Pawan Kumar Chandana, has emphasized the partly commercial nature of Vikram-1’s inaugural launch.

Vikram-1: A Technological Marvel

Skyroot’s Vikram-1 is described as a “technologically advanced, multi-stage launch vehicle with a payload capacity of approximately 300 Kg to Low Earth Orbit. It is an all-carbon-fiber-bodied rocket equipped with 3D printed liquid engines.

Vikram-1: Advancing India’s Satellite Deployment Capabilities

Vikram-1 is designed to place multiple satellites into orbit, a first for India and one of the first globally. This rocket represents Skyroot’s second successful project following the Vikram-S rocket’s triumphant launch on November 18th, 2022. The Vikram-1 can be considered a scaled-up version of its predecessor.

 

The Vikram (Sanskrit: Vikram, lit. ’Brave’; Namesake: Vikram Sarabhai) is a family of small-lift launch vehicles being developed by Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup aerospace company.

Before a full orbital launch, a suborbital flight of rocket designated “Vikram-S” was performed on 18 November 2022 by the name of mission Prarambh (lit. ’beginning’).

Overview

Skyroot Aerospace has successfully tested Vikram S, the sounding rocket. Vikram I is currently under development while the heavier launchers of Vikram II and Vikram III are proposed.

Vikram

The Vikram I, first rocket in the series, has three solid fuel-powered stages each with a burn time ranging between 80 and 100 seconds and the final stage is Raman engine. The Raman engine is powered by MMH and NTO liquid fuels in a cluster of four engines that generate 3.4 kN thrust. These Raman Engines will be used to do final adjustments in the orbit of the stage. Vikram I is designed to lift 290 kg to a 500 km Sun synchronous polar orbit (SSPO) and 480 kg to 45º inclination in a 500 km low Earth orbit (LEO).

 

Launch Schedule and Scope

Chandana, while not disclosing the exact month of the launch, has confirmed that the first full-fledged developmental test launch of Vikram-1 is expected in the early months of 2024. A proper commercial launch is anticipated in the later part of 2024. This timeline is crucial, especially in the context of the evolving global competitive landscape for satellite launches. As of 2024, more players are likely to enter this space, both globally and locally.

Funding and Financial Stability

Chandana revealed that Skyroot has raised approximately Rs 526 crore in funding. He confidently stated that this funding will support the company for the next few launches, with a substantial amount of Rs 400 crore having been secured just a year ago. This financial stability is pivotal as it enables the company to continue its ambitious plans and maintain its position as a pioneering private space launch provider.

The Future of India’s Space Economy

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, expressed his optimism for the growth of India’s space economy. He cited estimates that project the industry to grow from its current $8 million to possibly $40 million by 2040, with some even suggesting it could reach $100 million by that time. This anticipated growth underscores the importance of India’s efforts in space technology and commercial space endeavors.

Skyroot’s MAX-Q: A State-of-the-Art Headquarters

Dr. Singh also inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace’s new global headquarters in Hyderabad, named MAX-Q. This facility is described as “the country’s largest private rocket development facility under a single roof.” MAX-Q is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, encompassing integrated design, manufacturing, and testing facilities for space launch vehicles.

MAX-Q Headquarters: A Space for Innovation and Growth

The facility can accommodate the 300-member strong workforce of Skyroot and spans a substantial 60,000 square feet of built-up area, with future expansion plans in the pipeline. The headquarters boasts a futuristic space theme, symbolizing Skyroot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology.

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur