Raman-1 Thruster and Vikram-1 Rocket

 The Vikram-1 rocket and its Raman-1 thruster are entirely indigenous space launch systems developed by Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private aerospace manufacturer. Their successful deployment has made India the third country in the world to achieve private orbital launch capabilities.


Raman-1 Thruster

The Raman-1 is a bipropellant, liquid-fuel rocket engine named after Indian Nobel laureate C.V. Raman.

  • Specifications: It generates 890 Newtons (200 lbf) of thrust and operates using hypergolic propellants.

  • Applications: Raman-1 serves as a critical component of the Vikram-1 rocket's fourth stage, also known as the Orbital Adjustment Module. Rather than providing upward lift, it performs precise roll attitude control—managing the rocket's rotation around its longitudinal axis to maintain orientation and ensure highly accurate satellite injections into orbit.

  • Recent Testing: In early November 2026, Skyroot successfully completed the qualification test-firing campaign for the Raman-1 thruster, officially clearing it for use on Vikram-1's upcoming second flight.

Vikram-1 Rocket

Vikram-1 is a small-lift, expendable orbital launch vehicle optimized for deploying small satellites and satellite constellations.

  • Architecture: It is a four-stage rocket composed of an all-carbon composite body. The first three stages are solid-fueled, while the fourth kick-stage is liquid-fueled and restartable.

  • Payload Capacity: It can deliver payloads of up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or 260 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).

Launch Schedule and Payload Details

  • Maiden Flight (Mission Aagaman): Vikram-1 successfully completed its debut orbital launch on July 18, 2026, lifting off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

  • Flight 1 Payloads: The first flight successfully carried four payloads to orbit:

    • The SOLARAS S3 satellite by Grahaa Space.

    • "Embrace", an in-orbit robotic arm developed by Cosmoserve Space.

    • An in-orbit technical demonstration payload from German manufacturer DCUBED.

    • SCOPE, Skyroot's proprietary test satellite.

  • Upcoming Launches: Skyroot is currently integrating first-stage hardware at the spaceport for Vikram-1's second flight. The company is actively booking payloads for a Q4 2026 rideshare window and a Q1 2027 window. Additionally, US-based Reflect Orbital has secured a dedicated two-launch order slated to begin in Q1 2027.

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