We want space flight to be as cheap as air flights

We want space flight to be as cheap as air flights

- RAHUL DEVULAPALLI

Q/ Is this your first attempt at test-firing an upper-stage rocket engine?

A/ Yes. This is a full-scale one. We have done short-scale and smaller ones in the past. This is the actual engine that will be launched later. This is only the upper stage and there are many other stages involved, which will be tested in the next one year. They will all be integrated closer to the final launch. We want to give it our all and [attain] perfection. It is quite rare for rocket engines to be successfully test-fired in the first attempt, so that is a great achievement.

Q/ What sets the Vikram series apart from other small satellite launch vehicles?

A/ It is the simplicity of the rocket. It is a simple rocket that can be manufactured, assembled and launched very fast. Then there is the cost. It will be much cheaper than other rockets in similar segments in the international market.

Q/ The Indian government recently opened up the space sector to private players. How has your company streamlined plans after this decision?

A/ It has come at the right time. In the next one year, most of our sub-systems and rocket stages will be tested. Our hardware is in the final stages of manufacturing. We can now use ISRO facilities, which was not the case earlier. So, this will help our testing. Also, launching requires licencing and regulatory procedures. We feel there will be no delay from the government’s side and that perfectly matches our timeline.

Q/ Can you talk about the usage of 3D printing technology in your rockets’ bi-propellants?