Vikram-1: India’s Private Space Revolution

Context

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 is the first private rocket to reach space and successfully place satellites in orbit from India.

Key Highlights

The achievement of the Hyderabad-based space start-up underscores the importance of private companies in India’s space sector and the influence of the reforms that have allowed private companies to enter the space sector.

India’s New Space Era: Vikram-1

• The successful satellites, Vikram-1, which was named after space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, sent technology demonstration satellites to low-Earth orbit at about 450 km.
• This is India’s third achievement in private sector orbital launch, after the USA and China.
• The Aagaman mission represents the beginning of a new era in India’s space exploration journey, one that is marked by innovation, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships.
• The rocket is intended for launching small (up to 350 kg) satellites into low-Earth orbits.

Technological Significance

• The Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket, with three solid-propellant stages and one liquid-propellant stage.
• In its propulsion system, it comes equipped with indigenously developed 3-D printed engines and high-thrust solid fuel motors.
• Carbon composites instead of usual metal make the rocket lighter and may lower launch costs.
• The solid engines of the rocket are called ‘Kalam’ in honour of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and the liquid engine is called ‘Raman’ in honour of Dr C V Raman.
• The mission highlights India’s emerging prowess in advanced materials, Additive Manufacturing, Propulsion technology and precision Orbital insertion.

Significance for India’s Space Economy

• The success is a confirmation of the government’s policy of opening the space sector to private industry and developing a more competitive space industry.
• Private industries will help to make India launch more, cost less and create special space technologies.
• Satellite manufacturing, launch services, Earth observation, space-based communication and other areas of innovation may benefit from the growth of start-ups, which can create jobs.
• It can make India a formidable space power in the fast-expanding commercial space market.
• This development also aligns with India’s vision of being a hub of technology and manufacturing in the world.

Role of ISRO and IN-SPACe

• The institutional support from ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) through Vikram-1 mission is also significant.
• Private players have been able to overcome barriers to entry due to ISRO’s knowledge and technical expertise, and system and infrastructure.
• The changing model is evolving from being a state-driven space programme to a public-private partnership ecosystem.

Challenges and Way Ahead

• India needs to build a strong space insurance ecosystem, a space start-up VC mechanism, test facilities and long-term space research finance.
• The more private participation is achieved, the more clearly defined regulations, safety standards and expedited authorisation should be.
• India must encourage domestic manufacturing of key components to lessen reliance on foreign space technologies.
• Start-ups, ISRO, universities and defence research institutions should be encouraged to work together with the government.
• India can transform itself from a launching pad to a major space manufacturing and launch services and space-based applications player with continued policy support.

Conclusion

• Vikram-1’s success in launching is not just a rocket success; it’s an indicator of India’s emergence as a competitive, innovation-based, and commercial space sector.
• The mission highlights that India’s space goals can be achieved faster with the joint efforts of government bodies, industry, and entrepreneurial innovators.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (2023)

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