'This rocket launch will inspire youngsters to join the space sector'

On November 18, 2022, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd scripted history by becoming the first private Indian organisation to launch a rocket from Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) launchpad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch of the rocket, named Vikram-S after Indian space scientist Vikram Sarabhai, was successful. In a conversation with ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY, Skyroot Aerospace co-founder PAWAN KUMAR CHANDANA talks about the company's plans to establish itself as satellite launcher catering to the international market and the long-term goal of developing resuable rockets to ensure sustainabililty. Excerpts:

- ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY

What are your plans with the launch of Vikram-S?

Launching the first private rocket into space is a significant milestone for any country. It is also a big symbol of what an Indian startup, and a small team like ours, can do. We are 200 people, of which 100 worked on Vikram-S directly and indirectly.

Vikram-S is sub-orbital. It reaches outer space and does not put satellites into orbit. Instead, it splashes down to the sea. It is just a 300-second flight. Our next launch is Vikram-1, which is an orbital vehicle. That means it puts satellites into orbit. We plan to launch Vikram-1 in a year. Very few companies in the world have launched a rocket into space; even fewer have launched satellites. We also have Vikram-2 and 3-orbital vehicles in the pipeline. All of them are 80 per cent the same.

Do you target serving the international market? Do you see competing with SpaceX?