Skyroot Aerospace Prepares for Vikram-1 Launch from Hyderabad

Skyroot Aerospace is making significant strides in the private space sector with its preparations for the upcoming launch of the Vikram-1 rocket. The Hyderabad-based company is finalizing its work on this 22-meter launch vehicle, which is scheduled for an orbital launch later this year. The Max-Q Campus, which resembles a futuristic film set, is abuzz with engineers and technicians diligently crafting various components of the rocket, from the nose cone to the fins.

The Vikram-1 rocket stands out due to its innovative design, featuring a seven-storey structure made primarily from carbon composites. This lightweight material is five times lighter than steel and five times stronger than aluminum, according to Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder of Skyroot Aerospace. The integration of 3D-printed engines is a game-changer, allowing for a reduction in the number of parts from 150 to a single component. This advancement minimizes potential failure points and enhances overall reliability.

Successful Static Test Marks a Milestone

Recently, the Vikram-1 successfully completed a static test-firing of its Stage-1 carbon composite solid fuel booster at Sriharikota. This 30-tonne booster stage validated performance metrics crucial for the upcoming launch. The test data is now guiding a team of approximately 600 employees who are focused on optimizing the rocket’s engine and mission computer, the latter of which serves as the brain of the spacecraft.

The excitement surrounding the test firing was palpable, especially for Anant, a 30-year-old engineer who has been integral to the engine-building team. He expressed pride in the successful outcome, stating, “The feedback from the static test was perfect. A little bit of fine-tuning is required to make it more optimal.” His sentiments reflect the collaborative efforts and expertise shared with veterans from ISRO, India’s national space agency.

Innovative Technology and Future Goals

At the heart of the Vikram rocket’s capabilities lies its sophisticated mission computer, developed by a dedicated team including Spatika, a Kalpana Fellow who specializes in embedded systems. She shared her pride in the recent achievements, noting that the mission computer will “take all of the decisions” during the flight. This component is essential for the rocket’s autonomous operations as it embarks on its mission to deploy multiple satellites into their respective orbits.

The successful launch of the smaller Vikram S suborbital rocket in 2022 marked a significant milestone for Skyroot, showcasing the effectiveness of their technology just two years after the government announced a supportive policy for the private space sector. Pawan Kumar Chandana emphasized that the company is preparing for long-term engagement in the growing $30 billion global launch market, aiming to position itself as one of the select few players in this competitive field.

As Skyroot Aerospace continues to innovate and refine its technology, the upcoming launch of the Vikram-1 promises to be a pivotal moment for the company’s future and for India’s aspirations in the international space arena. The team’s meticulous efforts and groundbreaking approaches to rocket design and manufacturing exemplify the potential of private space exploration in reshaping the landscape of global launches.