India’s Advancements in Space Technology
Prime Minister inaugurated the Vikram-I rocket and Skyroot Aerospace’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. This highlights India's progress in space technology and the government's support for youth research opportunities, exemplified by creating the National Research Foundation.
Skyroot Aerospace’s New Infinity Campus
- The new facility spans 2,00,000 square feet and is designed for designing, developing, integrating, and testing multiple launch vehicles.
- It can produce one orbital rocket per month.
- Skyroot Aerospace, established by IIT alumni Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, is a pivotal player in India's private space sector.
Vikram-I Rocket
- Named after Vikram Sarabhai, the Vikram-I is India's private orbital-class launch vehicle.
- It stands 20 meters tall, 1.7 meters in diameter, and produces 1,200 kN of thrust.
- Emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and rapid launch capabilities within 24 hours from any location.
Technical Specifications and Innovations
- The rocket has a four-stage design with the first three stages solid-fuelled and a hypergolic liquid upper stage for precise orbital maneuvers.
- Innovations include 3D-printed engines reducing weight by 50% and production time by 80%, ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems, and advanced avionics for real-time navigation.
- Payload capacities: 350 kg into LEO, 260 kg into SSO, with specific capacities for mission profiles like 290 kg for a 500 km SSO and 480 kg for a 500 km LEO at a 45-degree inclination.
Impact on India's Space Sector
- Vikram-I is scheduled to debut in early 2026, aiming at the small-satellite market amid a projected $77 billion Indian space economy by 2030.
- The facility's production capabilities reinforce India's role as a manufacturing and services hub in the global space value chain.
- This development is crucial for India’s growing private space ecosystem, enhancing national capacity and reducing ISRO’s load.
- It supports downstream industries in defence, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure by enabling faster, more affordable satellite deployment.
Overall, India is positioned to become a significant global player in space technology, with private initiatives like Skyroot Aerospace leading the way.
