News: Recently, the Prime Minister has unveiled India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle Vikram-I.
About Vikram-I
- Vikram-I is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
- Built by: Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad.
- Launched by: Skyroot Aerospace is targeting early 2026 for Vikram-I’s maiden orbital flight.
- Named after: It is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India’s space programme.
- Purpose: Vikram-I is designed to serve the small satellite launch market with rapid, affordable orbital access.
- The rocket is intended to support dedicated launches, rideshare missions, and multi-orbit deployments for small satellite operators.
- It aims to provide fast turnaround, enabling assembly and launch within 24 hours from any launch site.
- Features:
- Dimensions: The rocket stands 20 meters tall and has a diameter of 1.7 meters, making it compact yet powerful.
- It generates 1,200 kN of thrust using solid propulsion in its first three stages.
- It uses an all-carbon composite structure, which reduces weight while improving strength and efficiency.
- It incorporates 3D-printed engines that reduce engine mass by up to 50% and cut production time by 80%.
- It uses ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems, which ensure safer and smoother stage separation.
- Its advanced avionics system enables precise real-time guidance during ascent.
- The rocket includes a restartable orbital adjustment module, allowing insertion into multiple orbits in a single mission.
- Payload Capacity: Vikram-I can carry up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- It can deliver 260 kg to a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
- It is capable of lifting 290 kg to a 500 km SSO, and 480 kg to a 500 km LEO at a 45° inclination, depending on mission profile.
- Propulsion System:
- Stage 1 – Kalam-1200: Kalam-1200 is a 10-meter solid rocket motor made from carbon fiber. It produces a peak thrust of 120 tons and burns for 80–100 seconds.
- Stage 2 – Kalam-250: The second stage uses solid propulsion similar in design to the first stage.
- It provides the mid-ascent boost after first-stage separation.
- Stage 3 – Kalam-100: The third stage, known as Kalam-100, produces 100 kN of thrust in vacuum for 108 seconds.
- Stage 4 – Raman Engine Cluster: The fourth stage uses a cluster of four Raman engines, each producing 3.4 kN of thrust.
