Space-tech startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-S, India’s first-ever rocket to space from a private sector company, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Vikram S, the first of the Vikram series, was launched under the mission ‘Prarambh’, with the support of ISRO and GOI’s IN-SPACe programme.

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The Vikram Suborbital (Vikram S), named after Vikram Sarabhai, can carry a payload of about 80-100 kg, and is claimed to be one of the cheapest rockets built in its category globally. Skyroot Aerospace, the 200-personnel team, is on a mission to make spaceflight affordable, reliable and accessible to everyone. 

Lt Gen AK Bhatt, director general at Indian Space Association, described the successful launch of Vikram S as a landmark moment that has enhanced the credibility for Indian private space players globally. In addition, he also said that India’s space launch segment is expected to grow the fastest by 2025, at a CAGR of 13%. 

However, this is just the beginning. IN-SPACe has about 30 applications waiting for a nod in the launch segmentation activities, and in-total about 300 entries expressing interests in carrying out business or other activities in the space sector. 

Dhruva Space and Pixxel, also part of IN-SPACe, will be launching their payloads on board a PSLV on November 26, 2022.