Skyroot Aerospace, the city-based rocket firm, is getting ready to launch its first commercial rocket ‘Vikram 1’, which is seven-storied high and has a payload capacity of up to 300 kgs, early next year. Already both Indian and global satellite firms have come on board for having their respective ‘nano or cube satellites’ on it, said founder CEO Pawan Chandana on Tuesday.
“Vikram 1 will be the multi-stage launch vehicle to the low earth orbit and will be a scaled up version of our first successful rocket launch ‘Vikram S’ last year (November 2022), where we had successfully tested our technology becoming the first private firm in the country to have the capability to launch the rocket into space,” he explained in an interaction at the new integrated design, assembling and manufacturing facility at GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park, Mamidipally, in Rangareddy district.
Union Minister of State for Space, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh had opened the new 60,000 sq. ft. Max-Q facility and also unveiled the Vikram 1 all-carbon-fibre bodied rocket that can place multiple satellites in orbit and features 3D printed liquid engines.
