Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket launches from Sriharikota , ISRO spaceport

India's first privately developed rocket Vikram-S launched from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spaceport in Sriharikota, at 11.30 a.m. on Friday.

The Vikram-S spacecraft, created by Skyroot Aerospace and named in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of the nation's space programme, achieved success on its first mission. When the space industry was opened to private participants by the Center in 2020, Skyroot Aerospace became the country's first privately held business.

The three satellites that are piggybacking on the 6-meter-tall launch vehicle are manufactured by Chennai-based start-up SpaceKidz, Andhra Pradesh-based N-SpaceTech and Armenian BazoomQ Space Research Lab.

Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished.

Congratulations @SkyrootA

Congratulations India! @INSPACeIND pic.twitter.com/PhRF9n5Mh4

— ISRO (@isro) November 18, 2022

 

The mission's named as Prarambh (The beginning) aim to launch Vikram–S (VKS), a single-stage solid fueled sub-orbital rocket into space.

“I am happy to announce the successful completion of Mission Prarambh, The Beginning, by Skyroot aerospace,” a smiling Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the country’s space regulator, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (INSPACe), said from ISRO’s Mission Control Center in Sriharikota.

Vikram-S is among one of the first few composite space launch vehicles, which is made up of 3D printed solid thrusters for its spin stability.

 

According to skyroot aerospace, the Vikram-S launch vehicle, which consists of the Vikram II and Vikram III series, is the quickest and economical way to travel to space, with a body mass of 545 kilograms, a length of 6 meters, and a diameter of 0.375 meters.

"I hope the launch of the Vikram-S rocket ushers in a new era for India's private space industry. The Skyroot VKS rocket was able to be launch-ready in a short time thanks to the seamless collaborative work of numerous ISRO centers, including SDSC SHAR, ISTRAC and VSSC, Skyroot team and IN-SPACe, stated Mr. Goenka.