Skyroot's Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Breaks Indian Launch Monopoly, Space Brief 18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.
Launch Date
July 9, 1970
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
NORAD ID
04456
International Designator
1970-053B
Decay Date
7/16/1970
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Voskhod (N129) Blok-I
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
11A57I
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites and received approval for a new Starship launch site, while facing challenges with crew assignments on upcoming missions.
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking launches, Japan's final H-2A launch, and significant developments in satellite data policies impacting weather forecasting.
Today's Space Brief covers a crucial weather data decision by the U.S. Defense Department, an innovative power supply for aerospace systems, advancements in satellite link technology, and Norway's maritime surveillance. AI/ML tools for airspace management and concerns about defense testing capabilities are also highlighted.
SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.
A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.
Today's Space Brief covers Blue Origin's historic all-female spaceflight, the selection of companies for nuclear microreactor development by DIU, and NATO's adoption of AI technology for military planning.