The 75-year-old Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to create a new history by launching a private rocket for the first time. On 18.11.2022, ISRO made arrangements to launch a private rocket setting a new milestone. The historic first private rocket launch of the Vikram-Suborbital (VKS) rocket will be witnessed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science, Technology, Personnel, Geosciences Public Grievances, Pension, Atomic Energy and Space Affairs Dr. Jitendra Singh at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. In a statement issued in Delhi on17.11.2022 he said that the launch of the Vikram-Suborbital (VKS) rocket will herald a new chapter in India’s space sector. The Vikram-Suborbital (VKS) rocket launch will take place on November 18th 2022 at 11 am. Less than two years ago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the decision to allow the private sector to enter the Indian space sector. Dr. Jitendra Singh explained in his statement that after the decision of the government, a private rocket launch is taking place for the first time.
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited (SAPL), a non-government organization/startup, has developed the VKS rocket. VKS rocket is a single stage spin stabilized solid propellant rocket. It weighs 550 kilograms. He explained that the rocket will go to a maximum height of 101 km and will crash into the sea and the entire launch will be completed in 300 seconds.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that for the first time Skyroot has entered into an agreement with ISRO for rocket launch. Dr. Jitendra Singh said this launch was the first private rocket launch in the country. The launch, the first mission of Skyroot Aerospace, was named “Initial”. The rocket will launch a total of three payloads into space, including one from a foreign country.
A platform will be available to launch satellites at low cost. He said that the initial hurdles were overcome and arrangements were made for the experiment. The minister said that this would help seed companies (startups) to provide reliable facilities at affordable prices. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the reforms introduced by the government in the space sector have provided an opportunity for the country’s seed companies to showcase their innovative capabilities. He said that the number of seed companies in the space sector in the country has increased significantly in a very short time. He said that three-four years ago there were only two seed companies in the space sector in the country. He said that currently 102 startups are working in this sector. They are working in advanced fields like Debris Management, Nano Satellite, Launch Vehicle, Ground Systems and Research. Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that a new era has begun in the Indian space sector with equal emphasis and integration of research development, education sector and industry. He said that Ankura companies are ready to participate in the space revolution under the leadership of ISRO along with the private sector.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, international recognition has been achieved in the field of science, technology and innovation. He said that the seed companies of the country are recognized globally, he said that the whole world is looking at India as an inspiring place because it is helping emerging countries in building satellites, including nanosatellites.
Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that space technology can contribute to various fields like railways, roads, agriculture, water resources identification, smart cities, telemedicine and robotic surgery. He said that this has made life easier for the people. Dr. Jitendra Singh said space and nuclear development are perfect examples of agriculture and crop development, agricultural technologies for plant and soil health and nuclear and radiation technologies for food preservation, radiation processing of fruits and vegetables and radiation based technologies to enhance crop growth and water conservation. He said nuclear and radiation technologies, which were so far limited to aspects like satellite launch and clean energy production, have spread to other fields.
