Vikram-1 Orbital Launch Vehicle

Why in News?

Recently, Skyroot Aerospace flagged off the payload fairing of Vikram-1; this launch campaign begins soon, marking a historic milestone in India’s private space sector.

• Rocket Type – India’s first privately developed multi‑stage orbital launch vehicle, authorised by IN‑SPACe, set to pioneer private orbital satellite launches.
• Developed by – Skyroot Aerospace (private company).
  • Skyroot was also the 1^st private company to carry out a single-stage sub-orbital flight in 2022.
• Launch site – Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Features

• Multi-stage launch vehicle – solid + liquid propulsion + cryogenic.
• Height – Approximately 23 metres (equivalent to a 7‑storey building).
• Honour – The launch vehicle has been named to honour Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered to be the father of the Indian space programme.
• Propulsion systems – Named after Indian scientific pioneers –
  • High thrust solid boosters for liftoff - Kalam
  • Liquid engines for orbital precision - Raman
  • Cryogenic stage - Dhawan
• Payload capacity – Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit; 260 kg to Sun‑synchronous Orbit.
• Structure – It is made of
  • Carbon composite instead of metals – Lightweight, faster assembly, cost‑effective.
  • 3D‑printed engines – Indigenously developed, reduce manufacturing time and assembly easier, quicker and cheaper.
  • Flexibility – Dedicated and rideshare launches; custom orbital deployment.

Quick Fact

References

1. Indian Express | Vikram - 1
2. NDTV | Vikram - 1
3. Skyroot | Vikram - 1