Isro to launch country’s first privately built rocket today
NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is set to launch country’s first rocket built by a private company on Friday.
Announcing the development, Union minister of state (independent charge), science and technology, atomic energy and space Dr Jitendra Singh said the private rocket, Vikram-suborbital (VKS), will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 11.30 am on Friday.
“Isro is all set to make history on Friday when it launches the first-ever private rocket, setting a new milestone in the 75-year journey of independent India. This is also significant in increasing the presence of private players in the space sector or the country,” said Singh.
The VKS rocket has been developed by Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd and is a single-stage spin-stabilised solid propellant rocket with a mass of approx 545kg.
“Skyroot was the first startup to sign an MOU with ISRO for launching its rockets. Apart from being the nation’s first private launch, it will also be the maiden mission of Skyroot Aerospace, named Prarambh...” Singh said.