shadow

Skyroot Aerospace, a tech startup based out of Telangana, is set to create history as it launches India’s first privately made rocket to space. The Vikram-S mission will launch with three customer payloads to an altitude of 120 kilometers above the surface of Earth in what is a demonstration mission.

The Vikram-S launch is aimed at testing and validating the system, designs, and technology of orbital-class launch vehicles, including several sub-systems and technologies. The testing phase will include the pre-lift-off, lift-off, ascent, and deployment phase of the satellites.

The spacecraft is carrying three payloads developed by SpaceKidz India, Bazoomq Armenia, and N-Space Tech India. The Vikram-S rocket has been developed in a span of two years and is powered by solid-fuelled propulsion, advanced avionics, and a carbon-fiber core structure. The thrusters are 3D printed for better spin stability and the mission will test 80 per cent of technologies to be used in the full Vikram variants.

When will Vikram-S launch?

The Vikram-S mission will launch on November 18 at 11:30 am from the sounding rocket complex, Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The six-meter-tall rocket will generate a vacuum thrust of seven tonnes going hypersonic at a speed of Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound.

Where to watch Vikram-S launch?

While the rocket roars into the skies over Sriharikota on Friday, you can get all the updates of the launch at indiatoday.in. We will be bringing all the live updates, and developments as Isro and Skyroot aerospace come together for India’s first private space launch.

The launch will be conducted in the presence of Science & Technology minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has said that India is all set to make history by launching from Sriharikota the first-ever private Rocket Vikram-S developed by start-up Skyroot Aerospace under the guidance of Isro.

Skyroot has been developing three variants of the Vikram rocket, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of the Indian Space Program. While the Vikram-I can carry 480 kilograms of payload to Low Earth Orbit, the Vikram-II is equipped to lift off with 595 kilograms of cargo. Meanwhile, Vikram-III can launch with an 815 kg to 500 km Low Inclination Orbit.

Author

India today