Rocket development startup Skyroot has reached an important milestone for its Vikram-I rocket development programme. A successful solid rocket test launch with the same technology demonstration used to manufacture Vikram. This is the first time an Indian private company has designed, built, and tested an entire solid rocket. It is also the result of a combustion test of the upper prototype engine conducted in early 2020.
Skyroute says it has built a solid rocket using a carbon composite structure that fully automates the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is explained that it is up to five times lighter than the steel normally used to store solid rocket propellants. It also aims to use the same process for manufacturing the final version of Vikram-I. Since Vikram-I does not have moving parts, it has a low probability of failure and is a relatively simple solid rocket as its advantage, while a great advantage in cost can be expected.
The final version of the Vikram-I three-stage rocket engine will be four times the size of the demonstrator. Skyroute is also making four other solid-state rocket motors for testing, and these motors will continue testing over the next few years to adjust thrust.
Skyroute is supported by ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, and the first launch of Vikram-I is aimed at launching in December 2021. Skyroute has raised $4.3 million so far and is currently targeting $15 million. With India opening its rocket launch business to private companies in early 2020, Skyroute will be the first private Indian company to manufacture and operate rockets. You can find out more about SkyRoute here .