Showing posts with label Vikram-1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vikram-1. Show all posts

TakeMe2Space's PowerBank‑50 Becomes Ist Space‑Proven Satellite Battery on Skyroot’s Vikram‑1

TakeMe2Space's PowerBank‑50 Becomes Ist Space‑Proven Satellite Battery on Skyroot’s Vikram‑1
  • Aboard Skyroot’s Historic Vikram-1, TakeMe2Space’s PowerBank-50 Becomes the First Made in India, Off the Shelf Satellite Battery to Earn Flight Heritage on a Private Indian Orbital Launch
The indigenously built, commercially available 50 Wh battery pack powered Cosmoserve Space’s experimental payload at a 450 km orbit aboard Skyroot’s Vikram-1 ‘Aagaman’, the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit. With this flight, PowerBank-50 graduates from a tested product to a flight proven one, a distinction that defines the global satellite components market.

Hyderabad, India, 30 July 2026: TakeMe2Space today announced that its PowerBank-50 satellite battery pack is officially space proven, having successfully completed its first mission aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 on its maiden flight, Mission ‘Aagaman’, launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 18 July 2026.

The mission itself was a landmark for the nation. Vikram-1 became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit, making India only the third country in the world, after the United States and China, where a private company has achieved orbital launch capability. Riding on that historic flight, a single PowerBank-50 unit powered Cosmoserve Space’s experimental payload on the launch vehicle’s Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM) at an altitude of 450 km, performing exactly as designed through the violence of launch and the vacuum, radiation and temperature swings of space.

“Every satellite mission lives or dies by its power system, which is why nobody wants to be the first to fly a new battery. We are grateful that Cosmoserve trusted PowerBank-50 on a mission of this significance. Flying on the first private Indian rocket to reach orbit, and performing flawlessly at 450 km, is the strongest validation a product can earn. PowerBank-50 is now space proven, made in India, and ready for every satellite builder in the world,” said Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder and CEO, TakeMe2Space.

Why “space proven” is the credential that matters

In the satellite industry, flight heritage is the hardest credential to earn and the first question every buyer asks. Satellite builders, launch providers and insurers are deeply reluctant to fly components that have never flown, because a single subsystem failure can end a multi crore mission. This creates a well known barrier for new suppliers: you cannot get heritage without flying, and you cannot fly without heritage. PowerBank-50 has now broken through that barrier.

The bar is highest of all for batteries. Batteries are among the most safety scrutinised components on any rocket, since they must survive intense launch vibration and shock, then operate reliably in vacuum through extreme hot and cold cycles every orbit. On this mission, PowerBank-50 validated its entire chain in the real environment: its high energy density lithium ion cells, its intelligent battery management system, its cell heaters and its aluminium flight enclosure. The product has moved from qualified on the ground to proven in orbit, the highest level of technology readiness.

For India’s fast growing small satellite ecosystem, this milestone means builders no longer need to depend on imported, long lead time battery packs to de-risk their missions. A flight proven power system is now designed, built and available off the shelf in India.

What this means for everyday life

Satellites quietly run much of daily life. The weather forecast before a farmer sows a crop, the maps that guide a delivery rider, cyclone warnings on the coast, television broadcasts and crop and water surveys all depend on satellites working around the clock. And every satellite has the same weakness: for a large part of every orbit it passes through Earth’s shadow, where its solar panels go dark. In those minutes, the battery alone keeps the satellite alive. If the battery fails, the satellite dies.

Until now, Indian satellite builders mostly had to import this critical component at high cost and long waiting times. A proven, affordable battery made in India lowers the cost of building satellites, which means more Indian startups, universities and students can put satellites in orbit. More satellites mean better forecasts, sharper disaster warnings, smarter farming and wider connectivity, built in India, for India and the world.

What is new about PowerBank-50

PowerBank-50 packs more than 50 Wh of energy storage into a unit the size of a paperback and the weight of a smartphone, at 380 grams. It uses cells with among the highest energy density available for small satellites, carries its own onboard intelligence that manages, balances and reports the health of the battery to operators on the ground, and keeps itself warm through the extreme cold of orbit. Packs can be stacked to power anything from a CubeSat to a microsatellite, with a mission life of up to 5 years in low Earth orbit.

Most importantly, it is available off the shelf today at ₹1,04,900, a fraction of the cost of comparable imported packs, so any satellite builder can now buy a flight proven, made in India power system without long import lead times. Full technical specifications are available on the product page.

About TakeMe2Space

TakeMe2Space is building next-generation orbital infrastructure focused on in-space computing,

data processing, and orbital data centers. Through its MOI constellation and space-based

computing platforms, the company is developing technologies that enable data to be processed,

analyzed, and distributed directly in orbit.

Media Contact:
Srishti Vatsa +91 98670 44794 srishti@moatglobal.comPriya M +91 6363620273 priya@moatglobal.com

Grahaa Space Successfully Deploys SOLARAS Aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Mission



Grahaa Space, a spacetech company focused on developing Earth observation nanosatellites and geospatial intelligence solutions, today announced the successful deployment of SOLARAS, its technology demonstration nanosatellite, aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The achievement marks a major milestone for the company, taking Grahaa Space one step closer to enabling faster, modular and cost-effective access to space.

The mission, named SIDDHI, marks an important milestone in Grahaa Space's journey to build indigenous, stackable nanosatellite platforms that can be customized for various low earth orbit (LEO) missions. Designed and developed in India, SOLARAS has been built to validate Grahaa Space's stackable nanosatellite bus and platform, communication systems and hosted payload architecture. The mission represents the company's first in-orbit technology demonstration and lays the foundation for future Earth observation, commercial, scientific and institutional satellite missions.

The mission also carries VISWA-M, an academic research payload developed by VIT-AP University, Amaravati, showcasing the flexibility of Grahaa Space's hosted payload architecture in supporting academic, research and technology demonstration missions.

The company's long-term vision is to stream near-real-time geospatial video data that can be used for various on-ground missions.

Ramesh Kumar V, Co-founder & CEO, Grahaa Space, said: "Today is a defining moment for Grahaa Space. Watching SOLARAS successfully reach orbit is the culmination of years of engineering, perseverance and a shared vision of building world-class space technologies in India. This mission validates our indigenous nanosatellite platform and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company. We are grateful to Skyroot Aerospace for enabling this landmark mission and to our partners for their trust and collaboration. The success of SOLARAS strengthens our commitment to building scalable satellite platforms that make access to space faster, more affordable and more accessible for governments, enterprises, research institutions and the broader space ecosystem."

Following deployment, SOLARAS will undergo commissioning and in-orbit evaluation, during which Grahaa Space will assess the performance of its satellite platform and onboard systems. Insights from the mission will support the company's future missions.

With SOLARAS now in orbit, Grahaa Space continues to advance its vision of enabling faster, flexible and application-led satellite missions while strengthening India's growing private space ecosystem through indigenous satellite technologies.

India’s Skyroot Rockets Into History: Vikram‑1 Becomes Asia’s New Orbital Power

India’s Skyroot Rockets Into History: Vikram‑1 Becomes Asia’s New Orbital Power

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 Test Flight‑1 has successfully reached orbit, marking India’s first privately developed orbital rocket launch. This achievement positions India as the third country globally with private orbital launch capability, alongside the U.S. and China.

Vikram‑1 Test Flight‑1 has soared into orbit, completing its final burn and deploying payloads into a ~450 km trajectory — a landmark that makes India the world’s third nation with private orbital launch capability.

India now joins the U.S. and China as the only countries where private companies have independently reached orbit.

China’s iSpace and LandSpace reached orbit earlier, but India’s first‑attempt success with Vikram‑1 is a powerful statement of reliability. Japan’s Interstellar Technologies has achieved suborbital flights but not yet orbital success, leaving India ahead in private orbital capability. South Korea’s Innospace is still in the suborbital phase, making India the clear leader among emerging Asian private space players.

On this historic milestone, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi through a social media post said – "Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1.

This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation.

This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly
."

Skyroot' successful launch positions India to grow its space economy from $8B to $44B by 2033, with private launches as a cornerstone.
India is now the first Asian nation outside China to achieve private orbital launch success. Moreover, the achi further strengthens India’s role in the Asian space race, countering China’s rapid advances.

Background: From Vikram‑S to Vikram‑1

  • Vikram‑S: Launched in November 2022 under Mission Prarambh, India’s first private suborbital rocket.
  • Vikram‑1: Four‑stage carbon‑composite rocket with three solid‑fuel stages and a restartable liquid orbital adjustment module powered by a 3D‑printed engine. Payload capacity: up to 350 kg into 450 km LEO.
  • Mission Aagaman: Launched July 18, 2026, from Sriharikota, carrying payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, Skyroot’s SCOPE, and symbolic art payloads like Cosmic Bloom.

India’s Private Space Milestone

  • Policy Reforms: Enabled by the Indian Space Policy 2023 and IN‑SPACe, opening the sector to private players.
  • Economic Push: India aims to expand its space economy from $8 billion today to $44 billion by 2033.
  • Global Standing: India now joins the U.S. and China as nations with private orbital launch capability.

Comparison: Asian Private Space Companies

CountryKey CompaniesMilestones
IndiaSkyroot AerospaceFirst private orbital launch (Vikram‑1, 2026)
ChinaiSpace, LandSpaceiSpace reached orbit in 2019; LandSpace succeeded in 2023 with methane‑fueled Zhuque‑2
JapanInterstellar TechnologiesSuborbital MOMO rocket flights; orbital attempts ongoing
South KoreaInnospaceSuborbital launches; developing orbital rockets
U.S.SpaceX, Rocket LabSpaceX succeeded in 2008 after 3 failures; Rocket Lab reached orbit in 2018

Why Vikram‑1 Stands Out

  • First‑Attempt Success: Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon‑1, which failed thrice before reaching orbit, Vikram‑1 succeeded on its maiden orbital attempt.
  • Technological Edge: Lightweight composites, 3D‑printed engines, and modular design for rapid launches.
  • Symbolic Payloads: Included a postcard from PM Modi inscribed “Vande Mataram,” highlighting national pride.

Strategic Implications

  • Commercial: Opens India’s private sector to global satellite launch contracts.
  • Geopolitical: Strengthens India’s position in Asia’s space race, balancing China’s rapid advances.
  • Innovation: Demonstrates India’s ability to leapfrog challenges with first‑attempt orbital success.
India has vaulted into the top tier of global space innovators and established itself as Asia’s second private orbital power after China.


India's Ist Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot's Vikram-1, Eyes Historic Lift Off of Its First Test Flight Tomorrow

India's Ist Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot's Vikram-1, Eyes Historic Lift Off of Its First Test Flight Tomorrow

Skyroot Aerospace's maiden test flight of Vikram-1 will attempt to launch from the first launch pad at SDSC-SHAR on 18 July at 11:30 AM. This will be the first time an orbital-class rocket, fully designed and developed by a private player, will attempt to fly from Indian soil. Concerned authorities have issued the necessary airspace and maritime notices, formally designating the restricted zones along Vikram-1's ascent and impact corridor for launch day.

This mission is called Mission Aagaman, marking the arrival of India's private sector in the global launch business.

We have done everything that could be done to test Vikram-1 on ground. On 18 July, we are eager to see how Vikram-1 performs in real flight environment for the first time. This is our first test flight, and we will be getting valuable data from it. This will be foundational to Skyroot's aspirations of establishing launch cadence. We are excited to see this through.
Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.

Vikram-1, will carry technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Cosmos Diamonds' artwork "Cosmic Bloom" and a micro-art piece.

"The small satellite launch market is deeply constrained on the supply side. At the same time, the demand for services enabled by satellites in space will only continue to grow, and that is where Skyroot's opportunity lies. The clearance of Vikram-1 for flight following rigorous testing is a defining milestone in India's space journey. This first test flight marks the beginning of Skyroot's aspiration to open space for all,” added Pawan.

Mission Aagaman, meaning “the arrival”, marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil, on 18 November 2022.

What we are aiming to do on 18 July is bigger than a single launch. It represents the hopes and hard work of around 1,000 people, the contributions of over 400 suppliers, and nearly 3,000 days of resolve to build a global offering from India. This test flight will show us how every technology we have developed over the years performs in real-world conditions. With the in-flight data gathered from this mission, we will return to the shop floor to learn, improve, and build further. This test flight is the first step towards creating a reliable, on-demand launch company for the world from India. Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

All stages of Skyroot's Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked on the launch pad. Following which, the final integrated checks of the vehicle on the launch pad from Skyroot’s launch control centre have been completed along with the interface checks with all the telemetry ground stations and tracking radars.

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), its first test flight is targeting a 450 km orbit at 60° inclination.

India’s First Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot’s Vikram-1, to Launch Between July 12 and August 4

The mission is named Aagaman, Sanskrit for "Arrival". It marks the arrival of India's private orbital launch capability for the world. The primary objective of capturing critical flight data foundational to creating a high-cadence, on-demand launch capability for the fast-growing global space economy.

India’s First Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot’s Vikram-1, to Launch Between July 12 and August 4
Skyroot's Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle Fully Stacked at First Launch Pad at SDSC-SHAR

Skyroot Aerospace today announced the opening of the launch window for the maiden test flight of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle — India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Test Flight-1 is targeted for no earlier than July 12, subject to the completion of assembly and testing operations at the launch site in SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, and weather, safety, and range clearance. The window extends till 4 August.

The single most important objective of Mission Aagaman is to capture the real in-flight performance data from every system on Vikram-1. We want to understand how the vehicle performs from lift-off through every phase of ascent. This data cannot be fully replicated through ground testing. It will help us validate our designs and inform subsequent vehicle development as we build a reliable, high-cadence commercial launch programme. The moment Vikram-1 lifts off, India's private space industry will cross a threshold it has never crossed before.

— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.

Mission Aagaman, meaning “the arrival”, marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil, on 18 November 2022.

This will be partially commercial flight, with the company planning to commence full commercial flights after one or two successful demonstrations to orbit. Joining the test flight is a mix of domestic and international customers.

From a dream to build a launch vehicle in India to now attempting an orbital flight has been a journey like no other. With Vikram-S in 2022, we validated the foundation of our technology stack; With Vikram-1, we take our biggest step, yet toward a reliable, high-cadence launch programme built in India, for India and the world. This mission is designed as both a technology demonstration and a learning mission. This has been made possible by the collective confidence of the Government of India, IN-SPACe, ISRO, our investors, our customers and a dedicated team of 1000+ individuals.

— Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

All stages of Skyroot's Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked at the launch pad.

The mission will gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall vehicle performance, supporting the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company.

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Vikram-1's maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination. The flight-ready rocket was unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2025 during the inauguration of Skyroot’s Infinity campus.

For India, the ability to reach orbit reliably and frequently is a strategic capability that only a handful of nations possess. Today, access to space remains a major bottleneck, with satellite operators often waiting months or even years for a launch opportunity. Backed by IN-SPACe's efforts to open India's space sector and ISRO's technical infrastructure, Skyroot's Cab to Space model aims to provide dedicated and precise access to orbit.

Satellites support services that millions rely on every day, from agriculture and fisheries to disaster management, communications, connectivity, navigation and national security. Frequent and affordable access to orbit is what enables these capabilities to be built and scaled within India.

The economic opportunity is equally significant. India's space economy is expected to grow from around USD 8.4 billion today to USD 44 billion by 2033. Indigenous launch capability will be a critical enabler of this growth, unlocking opportunities for India's rapidly expanding private space ecosystem. The emergence of companies such as Skyroot, India's first spacetech unicorn, signals both the scale of investor confidence in the sector and the growing maturity of the country's commercial space ambitions.

About Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot Aerospace is a private space launch company, building the Vikram-series of launch vehicles to provide on-demand and dedicated access to space for small satellite operators worldwide.

Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the company aims to democratize space access by designing, developing and launching a family of launch vehicles.

Skyroot made history in 2022 with the launch of Vikram-S, India's first privately built rocket to reach space. The company is now preparing for the maiden flight of Vikram-1, its orbital launch vehicle, which will mark India's first private attempt at an orbital mission.

Vikram-1 is designed to deploy small satellites of up to 350 kg to Low Earth orbit. Built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed solid and liquid propulsion systems — including 3D-printed engines — the rocket is engineered for rapid manufacturing and high launch cadence. Skyroot's technology stack spans carbon composite rocket structure, and solid (Kalam series), liquid (Raman series), and cryogenic (Dhawan series) propulsion systems, all developed in-house at its 250,000 sq. ft. Max-Q and Infinity campuses in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Valued at over USD 1.1 billion, Skyroot is backed by marquee global investors including GIC, Temasek, Sherpalo Ventures, and funds managed by Blackrock. Its mission: to make spaceflight as regular, reliable, and affordable as air travel — Opening Space for All.



Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, has officially flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 — India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The ceremony at Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad marks a turning point in India’s space journey, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy.

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 is a three‑stage, carbon‑composite orbital launch vehicle designed to carry up to 350 kg of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It features 3D‑printed engines, solid and liquid propulsion stages, and is India’s first privately developed rocket headed for an orbital mission, with launch targeted for June 2026.

This marks a historic milestone in India’s space sector, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy. Vikram‑1 is designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, offering cost‑effective and flexible launch options for global and domestic customers.

What Makes Vikram‑1 Special

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off
  • Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 350 kg of satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Design: A three‑stage rocket built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture.
  • Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
  • Launch Site: Final integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • Launch Window: Targeted for June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.

Why This Milestone Matters

  • Private Breakthrough: Skyroot becomes the first Indian private company to build and launch an orbital rocket.
  • Policy Impact: Reflects India’s new space reforms encouraging private sector innovation under IN‑SPACe and ISRO oversight.
  • Global Signal: Positions India as a competitive hub for small satellite launches, a market dominated by Rocket Lab and SpaceX.
  • Local Boost: Telangana’s support highlights its ambition to be a space‑tech hub, creating jobs and fostering innovation.

Vikram‑1 vs ISRO’s PSLV

FeatureVikram‑1 (Skyroot)PSLV (ISRO)
Payload to LEO350 kg~1,750 kg
StructureCarbon compositeMetal alloys
EnginesSolid + liquid, 3D‑printedSolid + liquid conventional
OperatorPrivate (Skyroot)Government (ISRO)
Target MarketSmall satellitesMedium‑sized satellites


Key Technical Details of Vikram‑1

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off
  • Type: Multi‑stage orbital launch vehicle.
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (160–2,000 km altitude).
  • Structure: Built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture compared to traditional metal rockets.
  • Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
  • Fairing: Space‑ready payload fairing protects satellites during ascent.
  • Integration Site: Final assembly and integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Launch Timeline

  • Flag‑off Date: April 25, 2026, from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad.
  • Destination: Hardware dispatched to Sriharikota spaceport.
  • Launch Window: June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.


Challenges Ahead

  • Reliability: First‑time orbital launches carry high risk.
  • Competition: Global players already dominate the small satellite launch market.
  • Regulation: Must meet stringent safety standards set by ISRO and IN‑SPACe.

The Bigger Picture

Vikram‑1 is more than just a rocket — it’s a symbol of India’s private spaceflight era. With cost‑effective technology, government backing, and global ambitions, Skyroot Aerospace is positioning India as a serious contender in the commercial satellite launch market.

Beyond Skyroot’s Vikram‑1, India’s private space sector is rapidly expanding with several other rockets in development — including Agnikul’s Agnibaan, Bellatrix’s Chetak, and a privately manufactured PSLV variant — all aiming to capture the booming small satellitelaunch market.

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