India’s 1st privately-built rocket launched
India's first privately-built rocket was successfully launched today by state-owned Indian Space Research Organization from the country's spaceport in Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh marking a milestone in the country's space programme.
The rocket, developed by Skyroot Aerospace and named after Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of India's space sector lifted off at 11:30am local time carrying three satellites, reports our New Delhi correspondent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened up India's space sector two years ago for private participation.
The rocket developed by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd (SAPL) is a single stage spin stabilised solid propellant rocket weighing about 550kg. The rocket attains a maximum altitude of 101 kilometres and splashes into the sea and the overall duration of launch is 300 seconds only.
Skyroot was the first start-up to sign a MoU with ISRO for launching its rockets. It will provide a level playing field for cost-efficient satellite launch services by disrupting the entry barriers and will also help the start-ups to make spaceflights affordable and reliable.
From space start-ups three to four years back, India today has 102 start-ups working in cutting-edge areas of space debris management, nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems and research.
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