Dholera: A new milestone in space research was achieved in Gujarat on Saturday as the state’s first sounding rocket was launched from Bavaliyari near Dholera in the presence of State Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia. The rocket was developed and launched by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited (OSRE), marking a significant step for Gujarat in the private space sector.

The minister witnessed the launch and congratulated the team of young scientists, calling the achievement an important step towards the state government’s vision of self-reliance in space technology.

Technical details of the launch

The single-stage sub-orbital sounding rocket was launched at around 1:00 PM on March 14 from a temporary launch complex set up at Bavaliyari near Dholera. The rocket reached an altitude of about 3 km and successfully tested key systems, including propulsion, avionics, and an autonomous recovery system.

A small experimental payload capable of collecting weather-related data was also carried onboard.

Under the Make in India approach, the rocket’s airframe was built using carbon fibre and advanced composite materials at Omspace’s laboratory in Ahmedabad.

Omspace Founder and CEO Dr. Ravindra Raj thanked the state government for its support and said the successful launch would help pave the way for the development of India’s first fully indigenous reusable launch vehicle, Infinity One, shortly.

The launch was conducted after receiving the required clearances and technical support from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Indian Coast Guard, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The mission was carried out under the authorization of IN-SPACe (ISRO). MLA Kalubhai Dabhi, along with officials from the Department of Science and Technology, was also present at the launch site. DeshGujarat