Vikram-S: The ISRO launched Vikram-suborbital (VKS), India’s first privately built rocket (Indian Space Research Organisation). Skyroot Aerospace’s rocket has been named after Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the father of India’s space industry. The mission has been named ‘Prambh’ to represent a fresh start.
According to the news agency PTI, Vikram-S is one of the world’s first few all-composite rockets with 3-D printed solid thrusters for spin stability of the launch vehicle.
Ascent of @SkyrootA‘s Vikram-S launcher today from Sriharikota #MissionPrarambh pic.twitter.com/ysXWA61FgB
— ISRO (@isro) November 18, 2022
The rocket, developed by four-year-old startup Skyroot Aerospace, would mark the private sector’s first foray into the country’s space industry. The Centre opened the space sector to private players in 2020.
Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished.
Congratulations @SkyrootA
Congratulations India! @INSPACeIND pic.twitter.com/PhRF9n5Mh4— ISRO (@isro) November 18, 2022
The first Vikram-S rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh at 11:30 a.m. The launch vehicle was named after the late Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program.
Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, described the successful launch of a private player as a “milestone” and “new era” in India’s space history. “This is the beginning of a new beginning for the private sector as it enters the space sector,” he said.
This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in June 2020 that the space sector would be open to private participation.
The rocket launch is expected to demonstrate the flight testing of Vikram series avionics systems such as telemetry, GPS, onboard camera, data acquisition, and power systems.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh posted a photo with startup Skyroot Aerospace before the launch of Vikram-S. The minister wrote, With #StartUp Team “Skyroot Aerospace” at #Sriharikota, minutes before the launch of the first-ever private Rocket, Vikram-S, named after Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of India’s Space program. Countdown begins!”.
With #StartUp Team “Skyroot Aerospace” at #Sriharikota, minutes before the launch of the first ever private Rocket, Vikram-S, named after Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of India’s Space program.
Countdown begins! pic.twitter.com/QUZpYSdsjS— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 18, 2022
