Skyroot Aerospace Unveils Vikram-I Rocket at MAX-Q Campus
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Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian spacetech firm, marked a critical milestone on Tuesday by showcasing its indigenous rocket, Vikram-I, at its new headquarters, the MAX-Q Campus. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, dedicated the facility in the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in South Hyderabad.
During the occasion, the Vikram-I orbital space launch vehicle was unveiled, marking a watershed milestone for the startup.According to Skyroot, MAX-Q is "potentially one of the world's largest private rocket factories under a single roof."
The MAX-Q Campus is 60,000 square feet in size, making it India's largest private rocket development center all under one roof.This cutting-edge facility combines design, production, and testing capabilities for space launch vehicles. Skyroot Aerospace's 300-person team will use it as a key center.
The day's star, Vikram-I, is a multi-stage launch vehicle designed to lift payloads weighing up to 300 kg to low-Earth orbits.Vikram-I, which is set to launch in early 2024, has an all-carbon fiber body and a 3D-printed liquid engine capable of delivering numerous satellites into Earth's orbit.
This seven-storey-tall rocket is Skyroot's second rocket, after the successful launch of the Vikram-S rocket in November of last year.
Pawan Chandana, cofounder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, emphasized the significance of the MAX-Q headquarters, noting that every rocket encounters a point of maximum stress known as 'Max-Q' throughout its route to space.He noted that the MAX-Q facility represents the company's ongoing dedication to pushing limits and exceeding expectations in its aim to "Open Space For All."
Skyroot was praised by Minister Jitendra Singh as an example of India's remarkable talent and scientific skills. He stressed that the 'unshackling' of the space sector has resulted in a rise of startups, with their numbers jumping from single digits to 150, demonstrating India's strong potential in the space business. He credited this transition to the government's commitment to encourage public-private partnerships in the space industry, which has opened up new avenues for innovation and growth.
Source : AFI