'This rocket launch will inspire youngsters to join the space sector'
Down To Earth|January 01, 2023
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
'This rocket launch will inspire youngsters to join the space sector'

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?

This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Down To Earth.

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This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Down To Earth.

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