India is gearing up for the historic launch of its first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, scheduled to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18 at 11:30. This launch will occur 46 years after India’s first launch vehicle, the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), successfully placed the Rohini (RS-1) satellite into orbit on July 18, 1980, making India the sixth space-faring nation in the world.
Developed by the private company Skyroot Aerospace, the Vikram-1 is a multi-stage rocket approximately the height of a seven-story building. It features a fully carbon composite structure and is equipped with its own propulsion systems, including engines produced using a 3D printer and high-thrust solid fuel boosters. The rocket is designed to launch small satellites weighing up to 350 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO), with its first test flight expected to reach an orbit of 450 km at an inclination of 60°.
Technological Payloads and Launch Authorization
The Vikram-1 will carry six demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot’s own SCOPE module. Also on board will be the artwork Cosmic Bloom from Cosmos Diamonds and a microminiature art exhibit. The company announced that it has received launch authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), a government agency that supports, regulates, and oversees the activities of the private space sector.
Preparation for Flight
“We have done everything possible during ground testing of the Vikram-1. On July 18, we want to see how the rocket performs for the first time in real flight conditions. This is our first test launch, which will provide valuable data and form the basis for regular commercial missions of Skyroot. We are glad to bring this stage to completion,” said Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace.
Skyroot reported that all stages of the Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and installed on the launch pad. The company has also completed comprehensive checks of the rocket, launch control center, and all ground telemetry stations and tracking systems.
The flight of the Vikram-1 will consist of 14 phases and last 15 minutes and 46 seconds. On board the rocket will also be a handwritten note from Prime Minister Narendra Modi featuring the words Vande Mataram, along with hundreds of handwritten messages from company employees, investors, politicians, and well-wishers from around the world.
“Among the payloads of the first test flight of the Vikram-1 is something truly special — a handwritten note from Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words Vande Mataram. It will travel into space along with hundreds of handwritten messages from our team, investors, politicians, and well-wishers from around the world, making the Aagaman mission a celebration created by many hands and shared by millions,” said Skyroot.
Source: The Hindu
