Domestic private space company Skyroot Aerospace announced that it will conduct the inaugural test flight of its Vikram-1 orbital rocket from the first launch pad at SDSC-SHAR on July 18. This event will be significant as it will be the first time a privately developed orbital-class rocket will launch from Indian territory.
The Vikram-1 rocket will carry various technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot’s SCOPE, in addition to Cosmos Diamonds’ artwork “Cosmic Bloom” and a micro-art piece. Authorities have already designated restricted zones along the rocket’s flight path for safety during the launch.
Pawan Kumar Chandana, the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, expressed excitement about the upcoming test flight, stating that it will provide valuable data on the rocket’s performance in an actual flight scenario. This mission is crucial for Skyroot’s goal of establishing a consistent launch schedule in the future.
Skyroot’s CEO highlighted the potential growth opportunities in the small satellite launch market, emphasizing the increasing demand for satellite-enabled services. The Vikram-1 rocket, a seven-storey-tall vehicle with advanced technology, aims to cater to this demand by offering reliable launch services for small satellites.
