India’s first privately made orbital rocket Vikram-1 places payloads into orbit, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully launched multiple technology demonstration payloads into Low Earth Orbit.
• Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, the launch, named 'Mission Aagaman', took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• This achievement makes India the third country globally to successfully launch an orbital rocket developed by a private entity.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot Aerospace team, emphasizing the private sector's role in India's space journey.

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Detailed Insights:

• Vikram-1 is a multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems.
• It is designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
• The rocket's propulsion systems include 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters.
• The successful mission validated the performance of its propulsion, avionics, and guidance, navigation, and control systems.
• This milestone comes 46 years after India launched its first experimental satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3, in 1980.
• IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka highlighted that a private Indian company has joined an exclusive club of nations capable of independent space access.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Vikram-1: India's first privately developed orbital rocket, designed to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
• Skyroot Aerospace: An Indian private aerospace company that developed the Vikram-1 launch vehicle.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): An orbit around Earth with an altitude between 160 km and 2,000 km, commonly used for satellites.
• IN-SPACe: An autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space, facilitating private sector participation in India's space activities.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre: India's primary spaceport located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, used for launching rockets.