India's first privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1 set for maiden launch on July 18
Sriharikota, July 16
India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden test flight, "Mission Aagaman," from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18 at 11:30 AM.
The 24-metre rocket marks the first time an Indian private company will attempt to place satellites into orbit using its own launch vehicle, independent of a government-developed rocket or launch vehicle programme.
Built entirely with a lightweight carbon-composite structure, Vikram-1 is powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module.
The mission is designed to deploy payloads weighing up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a 60-degree inclination. Among its payloads is a lab-grown "Diamond Lotus" developed by Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds.
Speaking to ANI, IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajesh Jothi said the mission reflects the rapid growth of India's private space sector following the space sector reforms announced in 2020.
"We are seeing the growth of the private sector. We started with hardly five or six startup companies, and today we have more than 400 startups. This has happened because of the government space reforms in 2020, after which IN-SPACe was formed in 2022. The vision of our Prime Minister is now being implemented, and we are seeing the outcome of the space policy," he said.
He said Vikram-1's success could significantly boost India's commercial launch capabilities.
"Skyroot is now going to launch its first maiden launch vehicle, which will be first of its kind. Not only in India, but outside India as well, only one or two countries have such a small satellite launch vehicle. If this succeeds, it is going to give a boost to both the small satellite market and the small launch vehicle market," he added.
Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Naga Bharath Daka said the company was founded eight years ago with the objective of building affordable and reliable launch services from India for global satellite operators.
"We started Skyroot around eight years ago with an aim to build affordable, reliable rockets from India to the world and provide affordable, reliable and on-demand launch access solutions for satellite operators around the world. All our effort and the team's effort is culminating today in this historic milestone," he said.
Describing Vikram-1, Daka said it is a three-stage orbital-class rocket equipped with an orbital adjustment module capable of deploying multiple satellites into orbit.
"It is a three-stage rocket with a small orbital adjustment module on the top. It has three stages of solid propulsion and one orbital adjustment module that can put multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. It is one of the first all-carbon fibre rockets in India and is extremely efficient and light," he said.
He added that the vehicle incorporates several technologies being used for the first time in India.
"We've used multiple effective technologies like 3D-printed rocket engines. All the liquid engines on the stage are metallic 3D-printed engines. A lot of process innovation and design innovation has gone into this vehicle. Thanks to the heritage and wisdom of ISRO scientists and the manufacturing ecosystem they built, we have been able to realise this rocket," Daka said.
Skyroot Aerospace Founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said Vikram-1 builds on the company's first private rocket demonstration conducted in 2022.
"Skyroot launched India's first private rocket in 2022, and that was a test rocket to prove the technology. This is the first time in India that a private company has developed an orbital rocket, taken it to the launch site, and it is going to take off soon," he said.
Highlighting the vehicle's design, Chandana said Vikram-1 is the country's first orbital rocket built entirely using carbon-composite material.
"It is the first rocket to go to orbit that has been completely built with carbon composite. Carbon fibre is five times lighter than the strongest steel, making the rocket lighter and more efficient," he said.
He also pointed to the use of advanced manufacturing technologies.
"We have multiple engines in the rocket that are fully 3D printed. This technology reduces hundreds of engine components into a single printed engine and enables manufacturing in just a few days. We have also developed a proprietary pneumatic stage separation system, which is modular and testable," Chandana said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The carbon composite structure and 3D-printed engines are genuinely impressive. But I hope they've done enough testing in software simulations and ground tests. A failure on first launch could spook investors and set back other private players too.
As an aerospace engineer from the US, I've been watching Skyroot for years. This is a bold move — only a handful of private companies globally have attempted orbital-class launches. If they pull it off, it puts India in a very exclusive club.
Finally a rocket named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai! What a fitting tribute. The reforms since 2020 have really unleashed private sector potential. Now if only universities could also collaborate more freely with these startups...
"Diamond Lotus" payload sounds intriguing. Lab-grown diamonds in space? Looks like India is thinking beyond telecom satellites and Earth observation. This small launch vehicle market could be huge for global commercial operators.
My cousin worked at Skyroot for three years on this project. The amount of passion and late nights these engineers put in is incredible. Indian youth truly believe they can take on SpaceX and Rocket Lab now. Proud moment! 🚀
R Rohit P Good to see ISRO's We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.