New Delhi, July 18 (IANS). India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket ‘Vikram-1’ was launched on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. ‘Vikram-1’ has successfully achieved its designated orbit in space. With this historic success, India has become the third country in the world to acquire orbital launch capability in the private sector.
This rocket has been developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace. Skyroot Aerospace posted on its official website, “India’s first private orbital rocket ‘Vikram-1’ (Test Flight-1) has successfully achieved its designated orbit (orbit) in space. The rocket completed its final burn (fuel combustion stage) and placed the payloads at an altitude of about 450 kilometers from the Earth. With this historic success, India has achieved the first orbital launch in the private sector. It has become the third country in the world to achieve this potential.”
Vikram-1 is fitted with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module. The mission aims to place a payload of up to 350 kg into a 450 km high Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with an inclination of 60 degrees.
“Lift-off! Vikram-1 lifts off from Sriharikota pad. India’s first privately developed orbital rocket takes off. History is being made,” Skyroot posted on Twitter.
In another post, Skyroot said, “Safely disengage from the tower.” At T+10 seconds, Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has separated from the launch tower.”
Skyroot reported, “Stage 1 separated. Kalam-1200, the solid first stage of Vikram-1 Test Flight-1, exited the rocket through the densest part of the atmosphere and separated easily. The payload fairing separated. Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has removed the protective shield that protected its payload as it passed through the atmosphere. The satellite reaches space for the first time.”
Skyroot
Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is capable of delivering payloads of up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Made up of an all-carbon composite structure, solid-fuel booster and 3D-printed liquid engine, the launch vehicle is a significant achievement for India’s private space industry.
In its first mission it will place several customer payloads in a 450 km orbit. These include Skyroot’s Scope satellite, DeCubed’s technology demonstration payload, Planet Space’s Solrus S3 satellite and Cosmoserve Space’s ‘Embrace’ robotic arm, which is designed to capture orbital debris.
The flight will also carry some special payloads, such as a flower-shaped artwork named “Cosmic Bloom” and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket carrying scientist C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai and A.P.J. Micro sculptures of Abdul Kalam are made.
–IANS
OP/AS
