The company announced on Thursday, July 2, that the launch window for the maiden test flight of 'Vikram-1', the country's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, has been scheduled between July 12 and August 4.

The definitive launch date will be confirmed soon based on the rocket's assembly, final integration tests, weather conditions, and safety clearances at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the company stated.

What is the objective of the launch?

Speaking on this significant launch, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot, said, "Our primary objective is to practically understand the rocket's performance at every stage, from the moment of liftoff until it reaches space. It is impossible to obtain such precise data purely through ground tests. The insights gained from this test flight will provide a solid foundation for our future plans to reliably and continuously launch rockets for commercial purposes."

This experimental mission has been named 'Agaman' (Arrival), and it will gather crucial technical data on the rocket's propulsion, stage separation, guidance, and overall control systems.

What are the special features of the Vikram-1 rocket?

The Vikram-1 rocket stands nearly seven stories tall and features an all-carbon-composite structure. It has been designed as a multi-stage orbital launch vehicle. The rocket utilizes in-house developed 3D-printed engines and highly powerful solid-fuel rocket boosters.

It possesses the capability to carry small satellites weighing approximately 350 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This maiden flight aims to inject the rocket into an orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers above Earth.

Skyroot's second venture

This marks the second major launch for Skyroot. Previously, on November 18, 2022, the company successfully launched 'Vikram-S', a sub-orbital rocket. With that feat, it earned the distinction of becoming the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil.