Skyroot successfully tests stage separation, moves closer to Vikram-1 launch
Skyroot Aerospace has successfully conducted the crucial stage separation test using its in-house developed ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system. This brings the company a step closer to gettin ready for the launch of the privately developed Vikram-1 rocket.The test, which verified the smooth and reliable separation of Stage 2 from Stage 3, marks a significant step forward for India's first privately designed and developed orbital-class launch vehicle.advertisementThe pneumatic separation system, engineered to minimise mechanical shock during the separation process, performed flawlessly, ensuring the integrity of both rocket stages and payload.This technology is critical for the safe deployment of sensitive satellite payloads and enhances the reliability of Vikram-1's multi-stage architecture. The successful test boosts confidence as Skyroot prepares for the rocket's maiden orbital flight, expected later this year.Clean separation, smooth execution!Our team just nailed the stage separation test of Vikram-1. The ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system we developed in-house worked like a charm, smoothly separating Stage 2 from Stage 3 — in another boost to our journey to orbit! pic.twitter.com/0xoEbcycS0— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) May 20, 2025Earlier, Skyroot's Raman Mini thrusters, designed to provide precise pitch and yaw control during flight, had also cleared their flight qualification tests.advertisementThese 50N thrusters, made from high-performance alloys and featuring 3D-printed coaxial swirl injectors, demonstrated robust and consistent performance across all chambers.With qualification complete, the thrusters are now ready for integration into Vikram-1's Orbital Adjustment Module, where they will play a vital role in fine-tuning the rocket's trajectory and ensuring accurate satellite deployment.Vikram-1, part of the Vikram series named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is designed to deliver up to 480 kg to low Earth orbit and 290 kg to sun-synchronous polar orbit, offering rapid assembly and launch capabilities from minimal infrastructure.Taking mini to the max! Raman Mini thrusters for Vikram-1 came out all chambers blazing during the flight qualification. With the performance now proven, these 50N thrusters are ready to be integrated into the vehicle's Orbital Adjustment Module, and provide pitch/yaw control pic.twitter.com/Rabo2eEMFe— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) May 14, 2025Its architecture features three solid propulsion stages and a liquid-fueled fourth stage powered by Raman engines, enabling multi-orbit insertion and cost-effective access to space.Skyroot's recent successes shows the rapid progress of India's private space sector and its growing ability to compete globally in small satellite launch services.With the stage separation system and Raman Mini thrusters now flight-proven, Vikram-1 is on track to launch into space with customer payload.Must Watch
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
One in four international students in US were from India: At 4.2 lakh Indian students, fuelled surge in numbers during 2024
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The Print
6 hours ago
- The Print
Starlink gets licence to start India services
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The falling-out between the world's richest man and the world's most powerful person began when Musk, who left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency a week ago, denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. On Thursday, it erupted in the verbal duel after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office. Musk responded saying 'Trump would have lost' without his help, prompting the US President to end US contracts. The licence from DoT came nearly a month after the Starlink was issued a letter of intent (LoI) by the telecom department. The companies that have received the licence would, however, have to a wait a tad longer for commercial satcom spectrum as the Trai just recently sent its recommendations on pricing, and terms and conditions, to the government for its consideration. The players will be able to start their services after the allocation of radio wave frequencies. Typically, even before the commercial spectrum, the trial spectrum is required to test, and verify the systems and processes on security parameters to demonstrate that all norms and requirements, are being complied with. The status of the Starlink's final nod from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe could not be immediately ascertained. Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX — the American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded in 2002 by the world's richest man Musk. It provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet worldwide using satellite technology and is aptly described by some as broadband beamed from the skies. Unlike conventional satellite services that rely on distant geostationary satellites, Starlink utilises the world's largest low Earth orbit or LEO constellation (550 km above Earth). 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The tighter security rules also mandate service providers to indigenise at least 20 per cent of their ground segment of the satellite network within years of their establishment in the country. The satcom service licence holders will require security clearances for specific gateway and hub locations in India and compliance to monitoring, interception facilities and equipment requirements. India's rules mandate satcom firms to demonstrate system capabilities with respect to security aspects, including monitoring, to the Department of Telecom (DoT) or its authorised representatives before starting operations in India. It is pertinent to mention that Telecom regulator TRAI last month recommended that satellite communication companies like Starlink pay 4 per cent of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government — a rate steeper than what these firms had been lobbying for. Operators offering satellite-based broadband internet services in urban areas would have to shell out an additional Rs 500 per subscribers annually, TRAI recommended. No additional levy would be applicable for services in rural areas. COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio and Airtel, recently approached the telecom department to raise concerns over TRAI recommendations on the satcom spectrum. The industry body argued that 'incorrect assumptions' have led to unjustifiably low spectrum charges for satellite services relative to terrestrial networks — a claim strongly rejected by Trai, which has ruled out any review of recommendations at this stage, based on industry body COAI's charges. PTI MBI TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
Elon Musk's Starlink gets licence to start India services amid feud with Trump
Elon Musk's Starlink has received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India, a key milestone that will take it closer towards launching commercial operations in the country. Starlink is the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to get a licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide satellite internet services in the country. A fourth applicant, Amazon's Kuiper is still waiting for approvals. DoT sources confirmed on Friday (June 6, 2025) that Starlink has indeed received the licence and said the company will be granted trial spectrum in 15-20 days of applying for it. Starlink will now have to comply with the security norms such as providing access for lawful interception, before starting services. The licence came hours after a huge public spat between Mr. Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump. The falling-out between the world's richest man and the world's most powerful person began when Mr. Musk, who left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency a week ago, denounced Mr. Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. On Thursday (June 5, 2025), it erupted in the verbal duel after Mr. Trump criticised Mr. Musk in the Oval Office. Mr. Musk responded, saying, 'Trump would have lost' without his help, prompting the U.S. President to end U.S. contracts. The licence from DoT came nearly a month after the Starlink was issued a letter of intent (LoI) by the telecom department. The companies that have received the licence would, however, have to a wait a tad longer for commercial satcom spectrum as the Trai just recently sent its recommendations on pricing, and terms and conditions, to the government for its consideration. The players will be able to start their services after the allocation of radio wave frequencies. Typically, even before the commercial spectrum, the trial spectrum is required to test, and verify the systems and processes on security parameters to demonstrate that all norms and requirements, are being complied with. The status of the Starlink's final nod from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe could not be immediately ascertained. Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX — the American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded in 2002 by the world's richest man Musk. It provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet worldwide using satellite technology and is aptly described by some as broadband beamed from the skies. Unlike conventional satellite services that rely on distant geostationary satellites, Starlink utilises the world's largest low Earth orbit or LEO constellation (550 km above Earth). This constellation of LEO satellites (7,000 now but eventually set to grow to over 40,000) and its mesh delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Starlink, which had been vying for an Indian licence for some time now, recently signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel, which together control more than 70% of the country's telecom market, to bring the U.S. satellite internet giant's services to India. The nod for the satcom offering — known for its resilience in harsh conditions and conflict zones — coincides with escalation of Donald Trump-Elon Musk feud in the U.S. Early last month, the government had issued stringent security norms mandating legal interception of satellite communication services and barred companies from linking connection of users in any form with any terminal or facility located outside the country's border as well as processing of their data overseas. The tighter security rules also mandate service providers to indigenise at least 20% of their ground segments of the satellite network within years of their establishment in the country. The satcom service licence holders will require security clearances for specific gateway and hub locations in India and compliance with monitoring, interception facilities and equipment requirements. India's rules mandate satcom firms to demonstrate system capabilities with respect to security aspects, including monitoring, to the Department of Telecom (DoT) or its authorised representatives before starting operations in India. It is pertinent to mention that telecom regulator TRAI last month recommended that satellite communication companies like Starlink pay 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government — a rate steeper than what these firms had been lobbying for. Operators offering satellite-based broadband internet services in urban areas would have to shell out an additional Rs 500 per subscribers annually, TRAI recommended. No additional levy would be applicable for services in rural areas. COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio and Airtel, recently approached the telecom department to raise concerns over TRAI recommendations on the satcom spectrum. The industry body argued that 'incorrect assumptions' have led to unjustifiably low spectrum charges for satellite services relative to terrestrial networks — a claim strongly rejected by Trai, which has ruled out any review of recommendations at this stage, based on industry body COAI's charges.
