'Vikram-S': Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace's first rocket to be launched today
The initial launch date of Vikram-S was scheduled for November 15, but due to bad weather conditions, a revised launch window was given.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 18 Nov 2022 4:04 AM GMT
Sriharikota: India's first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S, is set for its launch on November 18 from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The country's first rocket was built by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace.
The initial launch date of Vikram-S was scheduled for November 15, but due to bad weather conditions, a revised launch window was given. Fingers are crossed as people are praying for weather support.
Mission set. Happy to announce the authorization received from IN-SPACe yesterday for 18 November '22, 11:30 AM, after final checks on readiness and weather. Here's our #Prarambh mission brochure for you. Watch this space for the launch live link.#OpeningSpaceForAll pic.twitter.com/IKAYeYKAYp
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) November 17, 2022
Union minister of state for science and technology, atomic energy, and space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, will be present for VKS's launch.
Speaking about the private rocket, Singh said, "ISRO is all set to make history when it launches the first-ever private rocket, setting a new milestone in the 75 years journey of independent India. This is also significant in increasing the presence of private players in the space sector or the country,".
The VKS rocket, developed by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd (SAPL), is a single-stage spin-stabilized solid propellant rocket with a mass of approximately 550 kg. The rocket reaches a maximum altitude of 101km and splashes into the sea. The overall duration of the launch is just 300 seconds.
About Skyroot:
Skyroot is the first startup to sign an MoU with ISRO for launching its rockets. Apart from being the nation's first private launch, it will also be the maiden mission of Skyroot Aerospace, named 'Prarambh.' It will carry three payloads in space, including one from foreign customers. Skyroot's launch vehicles are named 'Vikram' as a tribute to the father of the Indian Space programme, 'Vikram Sarabhai.'
About Vikram-S:
The six-meter tall rocket is one of the world's first all-composite rockets with 3-D printed solid thrusters for spin stability of the launch vehicle. According to Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram-S will help test and validate most of the Vikram series of orbital class space launch vehicles, including many sub-systems and technologies that will be tested across the pre-lift-off and post-lift-off phases of the launch.
