Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace’s new manufacturing facility, dubbed the “Infinity Campus,” in Hyderabad. During the event he unveiled a full‑scale model of Vikram‑I, the company’s first orbital rocket. The launch vehicle is set to power India’s private space ambitions in the growing small‑satellite market.
Background
Skyroot Aerospace, founded by former ISRO engineers in 2018, aims to provide cost‑effective launch services for small satellites. Its rockets are named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. In 2022 the company made history by launching Vikram‑S, the country’s first privately built sub‑orbital rocket. Vikram‑I is its first orbital class vehicle.
Design and features
- Structure: Standing about 20 metres tall and 1.7 metres in diameter, Vikram‑I employs an all–carbon‑composite body, making it lightweight yet strong.
- Propulsion: The rocket has four stages. The first three use solid fuel, while the fourth stage utilises a restartable engine burning a hypergolic propellant. Skyroot has used 3D‑printed engines to reduce production time and weight.
- Payload capacity: Vikram‑I can deliver about 350 kilograms to a 500‑kilometre low‑Earth orbit or 260 kilograms to a sun‑synchronous orbit. Its modular design allows multiple satellites to be launched together.
- Rapid production: The 200,000‑square‑foot Infinity Campus is equipped to build one rocket per month. The company plans to conduct ground tests, qualification flights and a maiden launch by early 2026.
Significance
- Private sector momentum: Vikram‑I symbolises the opening up of India’s space sector to private players after policy reforms. Over 300 space‑related start‑ups now operate in India, developing launch vehicles, satellites and ground systems.
- Small‑satellite market: Demand for earth‑observation, communication and Internet of Things satellites weighing less than 500 kg is soaring globally. Affordable and flexible launchers like Vikram‑I can capture a share of this growing market.
- Technology innovation: Use of carbon‑fibre structures and 3D‑printed engines demonstrates how start‑ups are leveraging advanced manufacturing to reduce costs and cycle times.
Conclusion
With Vikram‑I and the new Infinity Campus, Skyroot Aerospace is positioning itself as a key player in India’s emerging private space sector. The rocket’s development underscores how reforms and entrepreneurial energy are reshaping the country’s space economy.