Vikram I: All about Skyroot Aerospace's 7-storey high orbital space launch vehicle

Vikram-I, a seven-storey tall, multi-stage rocket, has the capability to deploy orbital satellites (Image courtesy: Skyroot Aerospace)

Skyroot Aerospace, an emerging player in the Indian private space industry, recently unveiled Vikram I, its rocket designed for delivering satellites to low earth orbit. The maiden orbital launch of Vikram I is anticipated in early next year, marking the second rocket launch from this Hyderabad-based startup company.

Standing at 7 stories in height, Vikram I boasts an all-carbon structure and the capability to transport multiple satellites into space simultaneously. Additionally, the company provided a glimpse of what their inaugural launch with the Vikram I rocket will resemble.

Vikram-S rocket: India's first private rocket launch

Skyroot Aerospace achieved a significant milestone by becoming India's first private entity to send a rocket into space. This achievement was realized with the successful launch of the Vikram-S rocket on November 18, 2022, from the ISRO's launch facility in Sriharikota.

Skyroot Aerospace partners with France's space company for nanosatellite launch services

Skyroot Aerospace recently announced it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France's Promethee Earth Intelligence to offer launch services using its Vikram launch vehicles for their nanosatellite constellations for earth observation.

Vikram series: Honoring Dr Vikram Sarabhai's legacy

Named in honor of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary behind the Indian Space Program, the Vikram series represents a set of modular space launch vehicles tailored for the small satellite sector. While Vikram I is poised for launch, Skyroot Aerospace, established in 2018 by former ISRO scientists and IIT alumni Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, is concurrently developing two additional iterations within the Vikram rocket series. These variants are designed to facilitate the deployment of small satellites into orbit.

All about Vikram-I orbital space launch vehicle

Payload capacity:

Vikram I has the capability of transporting payloads of up to 480 kilograms to 500 kilometers in low inclination orbit. This rocket can carry a payload weighing 290 kilograms for missions requiring a sun-synchronous polar orbit (SSPO).

Architectural excellence:

Vikram I boasts of highly reliable solid propulsion stages with a proven design heritage.

Modern Avionics:

Its avionics system is termed as a masterpiece of modern technology, meticulously miniaturized to maximize efficiency. These advanced avionics play a critical role in guaranteeing precise and dependable navigation.

Ultra-Low Shock Pneumatic Separation:

Its ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system ensures a seamless transition from one stage to another. This safeguards them from the potentially harmful vibrations and shocks typically associated with rocket launches.

Flexibility:

Vikram I was designed to offer the capability for multi-orbit insertions. This meant that it could serve the needs of diverse missions.

Cost advantage:

In a sector where expenses can reach astronomical levels, Vikram-I stands out as a cost-effective alternative. This affordability paves the way for increased accessibility to space exploration.

Responsiveness:

Vikram I offers exceptional launch flexibility with minimal infrastructure requirements, enabling it to be deployed from a wide array of locations. Vikram I can be assembled and made ready for launch within a mere 24-hour window from virtually any launch site, providing space agencies and commercial ventures with unparalleled flexibility and speed.

Crafting the future of orbital launch vehicles

In summary, the orbital space launch vehicle Vikram I's remarkable payload capacity, sturdy architecture, cutting-edge avionics, gentle separation mechanisms, flexibility, cost-effective benefits, and swift responsiveness reflect the dedication of the scientists and engineers who designed this rocket.

Also Read: Mission Prarambh | Vikram-S launch at half the cost of US, European counterparts: Skyroot Aerospace’s Pawan Kumar Chandana 

The success of Vikram-S: A pioneering leap for private space ventures in India

India on November 18, 2022, achieved a historic milestone by successfully launching its first privately developed rocket, made by Skyroot Aerospace. This launch marked the entry of the private sector into the country's space endeavors.

The rocket Vikram-S, in its nearly 5-minute flight, reached an altitude of 89 kilometers before deploying the three payloads. Following this, it safely descended into the Bay of Bengal, approximately 121 kilometers from the launch site. This achievement established the company as the first privately owned entity in India to participate in the space sector, following the government's decision to open the sector to private players in 2020.