Sriharikota, July 2(APAC Media): Skyroot Aerospace has announced a launch window starting July 12 for the first test flight of Vikram-1. The launch window will remain open until August 4, subject to final vehicle checks, weather conditions and range clearance at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota.
Vikram-1 Mission
The Vikram-1 mission will be the first attempt by an Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit. The launch vehicle has already been integrated and stacked at the launch site. During the mission, Skyroot will collect flight data on propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation and overall vehicle performance to validate the rocket’s systems before starting commercial operations.
The company said the flight will also carry payloads from domestic and international customers as part of a partially commercial mission. Full commercial launches are expected after one or two successful demonstration flights.
Why The Launch Matters
Vikram-1 is a multi-stage launch vehicle built using carbon composite structures and in-house propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. It is designed to place satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 450 km.
The mission comes as India’s private space sector continues to expand following policy reforms that opened the sector to private participation through IN-SPACe. With demand for small satellite launches increasing worldwide, an indigenous commercial launch capability could help reduce dependence on overseas launch providers and support India’s growing space economy. Skyroot had earlier conducted the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S in November 2022, making it the first private company to launch a rocket from Indian soil.
