Space regulator authorises India's first private rocket Vikram-S launch on Nov 18
New Delhi, Nov 16: India's space regulator on Wednesday authorised the launch of first private sector rocket Vikram-S, a suborbital vehicle developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
"The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) authorises maiden launch by a private Indian space start-up Skyroot Aerospace to fly Vikram-S suborbital vehicle on November 18, 2022 between 11 am and 12 pm from sounding rocket complex, Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO," IN-SPACe, the space regulator, said.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh will be present at Sriharikota to witness the maiden launch of the privately-developed rocket.
Singh said the launch of Vikram-S will be a major milestone in the journey of ISRO, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unlocked the space sector in India two years ago for private participation.
He said Skyroot Aerospace has developed the Vikram-S, a single stage spin stabilised solid propellant rocket with mass of approximately 550 kilograms.
He said the rocket goes to the max altitude of 101 kilometres and splashes into the sea and the overall duration of launch is 300 seconds only.
Singh said that Skyroot was the first startup to sign a MoU with ISRO for launching its rockets.
The Union minister said space sector reforms have unleashed innovative potential of start-ups and within a short span of time, about 102 start-ups were working in cutting-edge areas of space debris management, nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, and research.
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Siddaramaiah writes to PM Modi, seeks protection for Kannadaigas amid tensions in Middle East
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate evacuation preparedness, enhance diplomatic outreach and establish an inter-ministerial mechanism to protect Kannadigas and other Indians amid escalating geopolitical tensions across parts of the Middle East.
In a letter to PM Modi, Siddaramaiah expressed grave concern over the rapidly evolving security situation in the region, which has led to flight cancellations and widespread uncertainty for residents, workers, students and travellers from Karnataka and across India.
Referring to recent advisories issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding airspace restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) declared by several West Asian countries, the chief minister said a large number of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals have been stranded, particularly in major transit hubs such as the UAE, including Dubai.
"The evolving security environment, including hostilities and civilian airspace closures, has generated widespread uncertainty and distress among affected individuals and their families in Karnataka and across India," the chief minister said in the letter.
Given the gravity and fluid nature of the situation, Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to strengthen diplomatic outreach by enhancing engagement through Indian Embassies and Consulates to ensure continuous monitoring, protection, and guidance for Kannadigas and other Indian nationals in affected areas.
He also urged for preparedness to initiate priority evacuation or special repatriation flights, should circumstances so require, to facilitate the safe and timely return of stranded citizens.
The chief minister has also sought for establishment of an inter-ministerial task force to streamline communication between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, state governments, and airline operators.
He urged the Centre to set up a centralised digital mechanism for registration, tracking, and real-time dissemination of advisories for families of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals.
Siddaramaiah also requested advisory directions to airlines to extend flexibility in travel schedules, waive additional charges, and provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary.
He said that a communication from the Office of the Chief Secretary has already been addressed to the Ministry of External Affairs requesting urgent coordination to safeguard Kannadigas and other Indian nationals and to explore appropriate repatriation measures.
Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka government has activated the State Emergency Operations Centre and all District Emergency Operations Centres to function round-the-clock.
"We are in continuous coordination with the Karnataka Resident Commissioner's Office in New Delhi and the Rapid Response Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs. Senior nodal officers are designated for immediate liaison with Union authorities to ensure seamless cooperation," Siddaramaiah said in the letter.
Emphasising the contribution of the Indian diaspora in West Asia, including thousands of Kannadigas, Siddaramaiah expressed hope that the Centre would ake all necessary and timely steps to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.
"The Government of Karnataka assures its fullest cooperation in all efforts undertaken in this regard," he added.
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