Space News

India

Skyroot Aerospace, one of India's prominent players in the space industry, welcomed Dr. S Somanath, the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to its MAX-Q headquarters. This visit aimed to discuss advancements regarding the Vikram-I launch vehicle, slated for its inaugural launch in the third quarter of 2024.

Skyroot Aerospace, founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, gained attention last year with the successful launch of Vikram-S, marking South Asia's first privately developed rocket. The company's focus now shifts towards the Vikram-I project, part of their strategy to cater to the growing demand for small satellite launches.

Dr. Somanath's visit included a comprehensive tour of the MAX-Q facility, where he was acquainted with the Vikram-1 hardware. This next-gen rocket represents Skyroot's vision to introduce a series of small-lift launch vehicles tailored for the emerging small satellite market. Discussions also encompassed Skyroot's upcoming orbital launch endeavors.

In March 2024, Skyroot achieved a milestone by conducting a successful test-fire of the second stage engine of Vikram-1, named Kalam-250. This test, carried out at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, was supported by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), providing a proprietary head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) device for ensuring operational safety. The solid propellant used in Kalam-250 was sourced from Solar Industries' facility in Nagpur.

This recent accomplishment builds upon Skyroot's earlier success in testing the Kalam-100, the third stage of Vikram-1, back in June 2021.

The collaboration between ISRO and the private sector, exemplified by Skyroot Aerospace's endeavors, underscores India's ambition in space exploration and technology. With ongoing developments and strategic partnerships, India is poised to make significant strides in the global space arena.