VAJRA
India’s first fully reusable micro-launch vehicle, powered by cryogenic innovation and precision engineering.
Overview
VAJRA is a next-generation 2-stage orbital launch platform built for frequent and cost-efficient missions to Low Earth Orbit. Designed for full-stage recovery, VAJRA leverages high-performance cryogenic propulsion, regenerative heat shielding, and modular avionics to minimize turnaround times. The platform is ideal for defense, communication, Earth observation, and rapid satellite constellation deployment.
- 🚁 Payload Class: Up to 500 kg to LEO
- 🔁 Both stages are 100% reusable
- 🧢 MethaLOX & HydroLOX cryogenic engines
- 🔥 Regeneratively cooled body on Stage 2 for controlled reentry
Vehicle Visuals
Render: Full stack configuration showing RAGAM in Stage 1 and upper hydrolox stage.
Simulation: Second stage during passive reentry with glowing cooled fins and nose shield.
Animation: Launch-to-recovery sequence with first-stage landing legs deployment.
Stage-Wise Architecture
Stage 1 - Booster Stage
- 🔋 Engine: RAGAM — Staged Combustion MethaLOX (88 ton class)
- 🔁 Vertical recovery via landing legs
- ⚙️ Pressurization: Autogenous loop
- 🧠 Controlled descent via closed-loop guidance
Stage 2 - Orbital Transfer Stage
- 🚀 Engine: Vacuum-optimized HydroLOX
- 🔥 Regeneratively cooled composite heatshield
- �� Aerodynamic reentry with minimal heating profile
- 📡 Avionics with low-inertia roll control
Materials & Cooling Innovation
The VAJRA second stage utilizes a proprietary nickel-based alloy structure with embedded regenerative cooling loops. These loops circulate supercooled propellants along the heat shield surface to withstand reentry plasma conditions. The first stage is built with carbon-reinforced composites, designed to endure multiple launches and vertical landings.
Advantages of VAJRA
- 🚀 Rapid reusability – >10 flights per stage with minimal refurbishment
- ⚡ Low-cost per kg to LEO – optimized for smallsat constellations
- 🧱 Modular architecture – easily scales to clustered launch systems
- ♻️ Environmentally clean fuels – Methane and Hydrogen based
Development Roadmap
- Q1: Structural wind tunnel & CFD validation
- Q2: RAGAM hotfire + hydrolox ignition trials
- Q3: Stage drop test + controlled landing rehearsal
- Q4: Full stack integrated launch (Demo-1)