Vikram-2
Indian space launch vehicle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vikram-2 (Sanskrit, lit. 'Brave'; Namesake: Vikram Sarabhai, also known as Vikram-II) is an under-development Indian small-lift launch vehicle being developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
| Function | Small-lift launch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Skyroot Aerospace |
| Country of origin | India |
| Size | |
| Height | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to LEO (500 km @ 45° inclination) | |
| Mass | 900 kg (2,000 lb) |
| Payload to SSPO (500 km) | |
| Mass | 600 kg (1,300 lb) |
| Associated rockets | |
| Comparable | |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Under development |
| Launch sites | |
| stage | |
| Maximum thrust | 1,000 kN (220,000 lbf) |
| stage | |
| Maximum thrust | 250 kN (56,000 lbf) |
| stage | |
| Maximum thrust | 100 kN (22,000 lbf) |
The rocket will use a cryogenic upper stage powered by the Dhawan-series rocket engine and is intended for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
Development
Vikram-II was announced by Skyroot Aerospace as part of its family of orbital launch vehicles following the successful suborbital launch of Vikram-S in November 2022.[1]
The vehicle is being designed as a heavier variant of the Vikram launch family and is expected to feature multi-orbit deployment capability. In September 2020, Skyroot unveiled the Dhawan-1 cryogenic engine, intended to power heavier launch systems such as Vikram-2.[2] In November 2021, the company successfully test-fired the Dhawan-1 engine using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX), describing it as a technology demonstrator for the Vikram-2 upper stage.[3]
Skyroot later conducted endurance tests of upgraded cryogenic engine variants, including fully 3D-printed configurations for future launch vehicles.[4]
Design
According to Skyroot Aerospace, Vikram-2 is planned to use carbon-composite structures and 3D-printed propulsion technologies. The company states that the launcher is intended to provide dedicated and rideshare launch services for small satellites.[citation needed]
Skyroot Aerospace has stated that Vikram-2 is designed to carry up to 900 kilograms to LEO and up to 600 kilograms to SSO.[citation needed]