Why in News?
India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle, Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden mission, Mission Aagaman, with a launch window from 12 July to 4 August 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
What is Mission Aagaman?
- Mission Aagaman (“Arrival”) is the first orbital test flight of Vikram-1.
- It follows the successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first private suborbital rocket (18 November 2022).
- It is a partially commercial mission carrying payloads from domestic and international customers.
- The mission aims to validate critical flight systems before full commercial operations.
About Vikram-1
- India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle.
- Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad.
- Height: About 24 metres (seven-storey tall).
- Configuration: Multi-stage launch vehicle.
- Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Target Orbit: 450 km altitude with 60° orbital inclination.
- Built using an all-carbon composite structure for lightweight construction.
- Powered by:
- High-thrust solid rocket boosters.
- In-house liquid propulsion systems.
- 3D-printed rocket engines, enabling faster and cost-effective manufacturing.
- Designed for rapid manufacturing and high launch frequency.
Objectives of the Maiden Flight
- Validate: Propulsion systems. Stage separation. Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC). Overall vehicle performance.
- Collect real-time in-flight data that cannot be fully simulated during ground testing.
- Lay the foundation for high-cadence commercial satellite launches.
[2026] Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme :
1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 2 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3