Vikram-S, India’s 1st privately built rocket, launched
CHENNAI: Vikram-S, India’s first privately developed rocket, was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) from its spaceport in Sriharikota, about 115km from Chennai, at 11:30am on Friday.
After the launch, the rocket achieved an 89.5km peak altitude around 12pm with all flight parameters intact, said the developer Skyroot Aerospace.
The rocket has been named after Vikram Sarabhai, hailed as the father of India’s space sector. In a bid to symbolise a new start, the mission has been named ‘ Prarambh’, which translates as “beginning”.
Dr Jitendra Singh, union minister of state (independent charge), science and technology, atomic energy and space, who attended the launch said, “This is indeed a new prarambh (start) for the private space sector.”
“Launched! Vikram-S makes history as the first private rocket of India to grace the skies. We thank you all for being with us for this momentous occasion. More details of flight to follow. Keep watching!” Skyroot Aerospace tweeted.