Vikram-1 (Space and Defence Sectors)
Vikram-1 (Space and Defence Sectors)
Why In News:
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space-technology start-up, is set to launch Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, under Mission Aagaman ('The Arrival'), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, within a launch window of 12 July to 4 August 2026.
Named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme, the mission will carry technology-demonstration payloads as well as two commemorative payloads: a diamond jewellery artwork ('Cosmic Bloom') and an 18-karat gold rocket model bearing micro-sculptures of scientists C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Source: The Hindu, Page 14, 7 July 2026 - 'Diamond jewellery among payloads to be launched by Vikram-1 rocket'
About Vikram-1
Vikram-1 is designed to place small satellites around 480 kgs into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and around 290 kgs into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), unlike the earlier Vikram-S, which completed only a sub-orbital demonstration flight in 2022.
It uses an all-carbon-composite body, extensive 3D-printed engine components, solid-fuel motors named after Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for the first stages, and a liquid-fuelled Raman engine for the upper stage.
The rocket features a fully indigenous Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system and will be launched under the oversight of IN-SPACe, with technical support from ISRO.
Significance for India's Space Sector
A successful launch would make Vikram-1 India's first privately built rocket to place satellites into orbit, reducing dependence on ISRO for small-satellite launches and validating post-2020 space-sector reforms that opened the sector to private participation.
The mission also carries payloads from other private players, including a CubeSat from Grahaa Space and technology demonstrators from Cosmoserve Space and Germany-based DCubed GmbH, reflecting the growing role of start-ups in India's space ecosystem.
IN-SPACe
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous, single-window, and independent nodal agency functioning under the Department of Space (DoS).
It was established as part of India’s space sector reforms to promote and facilitate private sector participation in space activities.