What are your plans with the launch of Vikram-S?
Launching the first private rocket into space is a significant milestone for any country. It is also a big symbol of what an Indian startup, and a small team like ours, can do. We are 200 people, of which 100 worked on Vikram-S directly and indirectly.
Vikram-S is sub-orbital. It reaches outer space and does not put satellites into orbit. Instead, it splashes down to the sea. It is just a 300-second flight. Our next launch is Vikram-1, which is an orbital vehicle. That means it puts satellites into orbit. We plan to launch Vikram-1 in a year. Very few companies in the world have launched a rocket into space; even fewer have launched satellites. We also have Vikram-2 and 3-orbital vehicles in the pipeline. All of them are 80 per cent the same.
Do you target serving the international market? Do you see competing with SpaceX?
This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE ALCHEMY OF EMOTIONS - SL'OTH
As with all personality traits, laziness is a combination of genes and environment
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS - WRATH
Anger is an emotional programme, a part of natural selection that helps us bargain for better treatment
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS - GLUTTONY
We have been captured by food and it is driving us to do something that is arguably not good for us
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS - ENVY
Envy gives people a fundamental desire for a higher social rank
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS-L'UST
Love, lust, attachments are basic brain circuits. They are too primitive a system and will never change
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS - GREED
Evolutionary biology sees greed as a way to increase your chances of survival
THE AL'CHEMY OF EMOTIONS
I felt for the tormented whirlwinds Damned for their carnal sins Committed when they let their passions rule their reason
INVISIBLE THREAT
Significant presence of microplastics in Puducherry’s agricultural soil raises concerns for soil and crop health
Feeding off each other
VEGETARIAN MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH ASIA AND THE WEST GREW WITH MUTUAL SUPPORT AND VALIDATION
India's unhealthy patent amendments
Despite strong pleas, the Modi regime has changed the rules to impose a cost on those who challenge faulty patents