Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad on Thursday, unveiling Vikram-I, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle capable of deploying multiple satellites in a single mission.
“India possesses capabilities in the space sector that few nations in the world possess. In just the last six to seven years, India has transformed its space sector into an open, cooperative and innovation-driven ecosystem,” PM Modi stated during the ceremony.
Technical Specifications
Named after space pioneer Vikram Sarabhai, the four-stage rocket stands 20 meters tall with a 1.7-meter diameter, generating 1,200 kN thrust through an all-carbon composite structure. The design emphasizes rapid deployment, enabling assembly and launch within 24 hours from any site.
Vikram-I can carry up to 350 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 260 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), with capacity varying by mission inclination. Specific configurations include 290 kg to 500 km SSO or 480 kg to 500 km LEO at 45° inclination.
Innovative Design Features
Key innovations include 3D-printed engines reducing weight by 50 percent and production time by 80 percent, ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems, and advanced avionics for real-time guidance. The rocket supports dedicated launches, rideshare missions, and multiple-orbit deployments through its restartable orbital adjustment module.
Four-Stage Propulsion System
- Stage 1 (Kalam-1200) is a 10-meter solid rocket motor producing 120 tons peak thrust for 80-100 seconds, with 94 percent propellant volume utilizing a submerged nozzle for efficiency.
- Stage 2 (Kalam-250) continues mid-ascent propulsion using similar solid-fuel technology.
- Stage 3 (Kalam-100) delivers 100 kN vacuum thrust for 108 seconds, featuring a carbon ablative nozzle and EPDM thermal protection.
- Stage 4 employs four Raman hypergolic engines producing 3.4 kN thrust each, using MMH fuel and NTO oxidizer for instant ignition. This stage handles precise orbital adjustments and roll control through small, targeted pulses.
Market Position and Timeline
Successful tests, including Kalam-1200 proof pressure and payload fairing separation, validate the vehicle’s readiness. Skyroot targets early 2026 for maiden flight, positioning Vikram-I to capture the expanding small-satellite market within India’s space economy, projected to reach $77 billion by 2030.
The launch vehicle bolsters India’s private space sector, complementing ISRO’s capabilities amid intensifying global competition in commercial space services.
