India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 launched by Skyroot Aerospace from Sriharikota ANI
National

Sriharikota: India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 lifts off after brief launch delay

Named "Mission Aagaman" (arrival), the test flight's launch marks a historic milestone for the country's commercial space sector, executed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace.

PTI

SRIHARIKOTA: India's first private orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, carrying multiple technology demonstration payloads and a postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lifted off from this spaceport on Saturday.

Named "Mission Aagaman" (arrival), the test flight's launch marks a historic milestone for the country's commercial space sector, executed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace.

On a cloudy day, the seven-storey-tall, four-stage Vikram-1 rocket lifted off at 12.05 pm on Saturday from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, here. Following a "planned hold," due to apparent navigation issues, the launch was revised 35 minutes late than the original prefixed time of 11.30 am.

After its initial journey of a little short of 16 minutes, Vikram-1 is expected to place the payloads, both domestic and foreign, into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 450 km with an inclination of 60 degrees.

Vikram-1, named after the legendary Vikram Sarabhai who is often regarded as the Father of India's space programme, is built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters.

The rocket is carrying payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with an artwork titled 'Cosmic Bloom'.

Durai Vaiko's remarks against MK Stalin not right: KN Nehru

Panic on Gudalur-Kerala Ghat road as jumbo blocks vehicles; narrow escape for couple

TNSTC to operate 2,655 special buses for weekend rush

Remarks on DMDK not criticism: VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan

'Change your mindset': SC asks Tamil Nadu to comply with direction to identify land for Navodaya Vidyalayas

SCROLL FOR NEXT