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. 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. 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. 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. Skyroot later conducted endurance tests of upgraded cryogenic engine variants, including fully 3D-printed configurations for future launch vehicles.
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. Skyroot Aerospace has stated that Vikram-2 is designed to carry up to 900 kilograms to LEO and up to 600 kilograms to SSO.
See also Skyroot Aerospace Vikram-S Vikram-1 Private spaceflight List of Vikram launches
References
External links Official website
