Rocket Report: India's Vikram-1 nears debut flight; AST to become rocket company?
Summary
India's Skyroot Aerospace will launch its Vikram-1 rocket for the first time on July 18, aiming to reach low-Earth orbit with small satellites. Meanwhile, Japan's space agency successfully tested a reusable rocket that took off, moved horizontally, and landed safely. Additionally, new private space launch facilities are being developed in Australia, and China recovered a reusable rocket booster.Key Facts
- Vikram-1 is India's first commercial rocket designed to carry up to 350 kg to a 450 km orbit at 60 degrees inclination.
- The launch date for Vikram-1 is set for July 18 at 11:30 am local time in India.
- The rocket will carry technology demonstration payloads from several companies and artwork pieces.
- Japan’s space agency JAXA tested a reusable rocket called RV-X that reached 11 meters in height, moved 16 meters horizontally, and landed after 40 seconds.
- JAXA plans to use the test data to develop a reusable rocket in collaboration with French and German research groups.
- Spinifex Space, a new Australian company, was formed to provide launch sites, licenses, and test facilities for suborbital rockets but does not build rockets itself.
- China’s state-owned rocket developer recovered a reusable orbital-class booster from its Long March rocket family.
- SpaceX experienced an engine failure at launch ignition with its Starship vehicle in Texas, delaying its flight attempt.
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