PM Modi unveils Skyroot’s Vikram-I: Know all about India’s largest privately developed orbital rocket

Skyroot is headed by two IITians Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharat Daka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually unveiled Skyroot Aerospace’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, and inaugurated the company’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad.

PM Modi said India’s space ecosystem witnessed a major leap with the unveiling of Vikram-I and Skyroot’s infinity campus. "The innovation, risk-taking ability, and entrepreneurship of our young generation are reaching new heights… In the times to come, India will emerge as a global leader in the satellite launch ecosystem,” he said.

According to PM Modi, India's future largely depends on the research being conducted now. "Therefore, our government is strongly focused on providing maximum research opportunities to the youth. We have established the National Research Foundation, which supports universities in modern research. The 'One Nation, One Subscription' scheme has made access to international journals easier for all students. A Rs 1 lakh crore fund for research, development, and innovation will greatly assist youth across the country...," he said.

“Skyroot Aerospace” is the first space start-up, which launched a private rocket from ISRO station in Sriharikota last year after the space sector was opened to private entrepreneurs three years ago.  Skyroot is headed by two IITians Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharat Daka.

Vikram-1 is named after the father of India’s space programme Vikram Sarabhai. It is a multi-stage launch vehicle with a capacity to place around 300 kg of payloads in low earth orbit.

It is an all-carbon-fiber-bodied rocket that can place multiple satellites into orbit and features 3D-printed liquid engines.

The company claims that it can be assembled and launched within 24 hours from any launch site.

One of Vikram-1’s standout features is its ability to be assembled and launched within 24 to 72 hours, offering customers rapid access to space