Posted ByTechViewIndian Space Research Organization is going to launch the Vikram-S rocket from ISRO’s launchpad in Sriharikota today, Friday, 18th November 2022. Through this, the Indian private sector will mark its first attempt into the space launch market.
Vikram – S was developed in a time span of two years by Skyroot Aerospace. It is a company launched in 2018, at a time when private players were not allowed in the Indian space sector. Vikram-S is a one-stage solid-propellant rocket made to test nearly 80% of all regular systems and procedures before the launch of Vikram-1.
The launch of Vikram-1 is scheduled for the next year.
The launch taking place on Friday will be sub-orbital. The vehicle will travel slower than the orbital velocity. It means that when the vehicle reaches outer space, it will not remain in orbit encircling the earth. This flight will take even less than 5 minutes.
Inversely, Vikram-1 is much larger and will take on orbital flights. Skyroot has named the Vikram Series of rockets after the name of Vikram Sarabhai. He was the founder of the Indian Space Programme. The rockets of this series are out of those few launch vehicles in the world, that have their fundamental structure built using composites of Carbon. The Thrusters which are used for spin stability are 3D printed.
The company has named the engine of the launch vehicle after the former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Its name is Kalam-80. During the flight of Vikram-S, performance is the key sector that which company is going to monitor.
In an email, Skyroot said, “This project gives us a lot of pride in becoming the first private rocket builder to launch in the Indian space sector.
Introduction to Private Player
About the introduction of private players in the space sector in India, the chairperson of ISRO, Ms S Somanath said on Thursday that nearly 100 start-ups have signed up with the agency and are operating closely with it in “different domains of the space sector”.
He also said that arrangements are in progress at Satish Dhawan Space Centre for the launching of Vikram-S. This vehicle will carry three satellites, one from SpaceKidz India known as FunSat, its parts are built by the school students.
“Rockets are very compound motor vehicles, and as each complicated methodology, it too can work inaccurately, depending on various reasons. But we have supported our build with the best of technology and skills, and that’s why we trust that the take-off will be a success and that Vikram-S is going to write a new history for the Indian private space sector,” Skyroot said.