Hyderabad’s Skyroot launches diamond into orbit
Hyderabad : A lab-grown diamond crafted in the shape of a lotus has been sent into space aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 orbital rocket, marking a unique payload on India’s first successful private orbital launch. The rocket was launched under Mission Aagaman on July 18.
Experts spent over six months creating the design
Rajanikant Chandgad, Chief Executive Officer of Nityas Gems & Jewellery, said the diamond was designed and manufactured at the company’s laboratory in Surat. A team of 20 experts worked for more than six months on the project.
The lotus-shaped piece comprises 32 pear-cut lab-grown diamonds with a combined weight of 16.95 carats. The company said the diamonds are valued at around ₹10 lakh.
Designed to withstand launch conditions
According to the company, the diamond assembly was engineered to withstand the rocket’s intense vibrations and the space environment. It was mounted on an aerospace-grade aluminium plate.
The company added that the diamond reflects sunlight while in space.
