The private sector of India is not only thriving on the land but in space as well. ISRO is set to launch India’s first privately developed rocket into space on November 15.
ISRO- THE NEXT STEP
In 1967 India launched its first indigenous rocket, Rohini 75. This achievement paved the way for the Indian space program. Presently half a century later, India’s private sector is also ready to not only join but enhance the space sector of the country.
Skyroot, satellite tech startup is ready to launch India’s first privately developed rocket, known as Vikram-S. This launch is to be marked as historic in the field of science and technology, as all the space explorations and ventures of India have been designed and handled by the ISRO. Vikram-S will be the first launch by India designed by the private sector.
ISRO to launch its own SpaceX type of ventures
The Indian space industry is transitioning as the government has initiated to involve private sectors in the industry. This big step was initiated in 2020 when the government introduced a few new reforms to increase the participation of the private sector. IN- SPACe being the key establisher of the private companies in the industry.
IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency which acts as a link between ISRO and private companies. the main aim of this agency is to make use of the potential present in the space sector of the country.
Vikram-S, a new beginning for ISRO
Skyroot a startup company based in Hyderabad is the maker of Vikram-S. Named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. Vikram-S is a small lift launch vehicle, which will carry 3 payloads to space in a sub-orbital flight.
As per the reports, the launch will take place at 11.30 am. Skyroot COO and co-founder Naga Barath Daka and co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar are excited about the launch. Currently, they are camped at Sriharikota.
Is Skyroot the only one other than ISRO?
Other than Skyroot, India has many space tech startups currently working to boost Indian space technology such as
- Agnikul Cosmos: a space tech startup, which has developed the world’s first 3D- printed rocket engine known as Agnilet. Last week it was successfully test-fired at the Viram Bhai Space centre.
- Digantra: an aerospace company based in Bengaluru is to become India’s first private company to send 40 satellites into space. To clean the space junk.
- Dhruva Space: a private startup developing small satellites for all domains, including commercial, governmental and academia.
Likewise, many other space tech startups like Pixxel, Astrogate, and Galaxy Eye are working on accomplishing this in the space ecosystem.
What does this all mean for India?
Currently, the world has 3 major space giants the US, China and Russia. But since both China and Russia have become questionable sources, India has arisen as a go-to space destination in the market.
With the right potential, the ability to deliver and the exact amount of talent and infrastructure, India is set to become a new space-tech giant. However, this journey isn’t as easy as it sounds.
As of now, the total value of space technology in the world is $469 BN. India only holds 2% of this estimated value. The existing global competition will make it hard to attain the title of the new space-tech giant.
However, India is taking the right steps for the expansion of its space technology. Privatization is one of its major efforts. It will help to enhance the potential and help India in introducing the next stage of space technology.
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