According to the ISpA DG, the successful launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 has proved that Indian private companies are capable of complex orbital launches. This success establishes the credibility of the country’s private space sector on the global stage.
New Delhi [भारत]July 22 (ANI): The successful maiden launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket has proved that Indian private companies are now capable of performing complex orbital launches. This was said by Indian Space Association (ISpA) Director General Lieutenant General A.K. Bhat (retired) said in an exclusive interview to ANI on Wednesday.
Bhatt said rocket technology is one of the most difficult and complex areas to master. In such a situation, the success of Skyroot in its very first attempt is a historic achievement, which establishes the credibility of India’s private space sector on the global stage.
Many more companies in line
On which companies are next in line, Bhat said Agnikul Cosmos may soon launch its rocket, having already completed a pre-orbital test launch. He said that Agnikul’s rocket has been made reusable, which will reduce the launch cost significantly. He further said that more than five other Indian companies, including Azysta-BST Aerospace, Pixel and Dhruv Space, have already launched satellites and more launches are expected from the private sector in the coming years.
India ready for global launch services
On the broader message from the launch of Vikram-1, Bhatt said its main takeaway is that India’s private space industry is now capable of providing independent launch services not only domestically, but also globally.
Big step towards self-reliance
Asked about the in-principle approval that Reliance Jio has received from IN-SPACe to launch a constellation of 1,600 low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, Bhat called it a very positive development. He said the deployment of a constellation of 1,600 satellites by an Indian company would be an important step towards self-reliance in the space sector and expressed hope that other Indian companies would also come forward with similar ventures. (ANI)
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