Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for the launch of its Vikram-1 rocket later this year, following a delay from the originally planned 2024 schedule, according to a report by India Today. The company is currently conducting tests on various components of the rocket, including the payload fairing.
Skyroot announced that its space mechanism and integration teams are performing system checks, simulations, and analyses on the carbon composite payload fairing. The payload fairing is the protective structure that houses satellites and other spacecraft components during launch.
Vikram-1 is designed to carry a payload of up to 480 kg into a 500 km low-inclination orbit. The rocket is part of a series named after Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of India's space program. According to the company, the Vikram-series rockets are designed for quick assembly and deployment, requiring minimal launch infrastructure and enabling launch readiness within a short timeframe.
Skyroot officials told India Today that testing of different rocket components is ongoing at multiple locations in India. Once testing is completed, final assembly and integration will take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota ahead of the launch.
Skyroot Aerospace previously launched Vikram-S in 2022, the first rocket developed by a private company in India. In March 2024, the company successfully conducted a static fire test of the second stage of Vikram-1, known as Kalam-250.
The company is also developing other rockets in the Vikram series. Vikram-II is designed to carry up to 595 kg to a 500 km low-inclination orbit and 400 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous polar orbit (SSPO). Vikram-III has a payload capacity of 815 kg to a low-inclination orbit and 560 kg to a 500 km SSPO.
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