News > India successfully launches Vikram-S, first privately made rocket

India successfully launches Vikram-S, first privately made rocket

Vikram-S lifted off at 11:30 am on Friday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The 545kg rocket, developed by space start-up Skyroot, hit a peak altitude of 89.5km (55.6 miles). It has the capability of reaching Mach 5 – five times the speed of sound. Skyroot has set a target of cutting development costs by up to 90 percent versus existing platforms to launch small satellites.