Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian space start-up, recently announced the successful test-firing of the stage-2 Kalam-250 motor of the Vikram-1 rocket at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This milestone attests to the company’s growing prowess in the development of space technology.
The static test, facilitated by SDSC-SHAR/ISRO, saw the Kalam-250 motor being assessed at the center’s propulsion testbed. The 85-second test recorded a peak sea-level thrust of 186 kilonewtons (kN), indicating a fully-expanded vacuum thrust of around 235 kN in flight. This successful demonstration positions Skyroot Aerospace to further its ambitions in placing satellites in orbit, marking a significant stride in India’s space exploration sector.
The collaborative efforts of SDSC-SHAR/ISRO and Skyroot Aerospace underline the importance of leveraging expertise and infrastructure for the advancement of space technology. Furthermore, VSSC/ISRO’s contribution of the in-house developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) essential for ensuring the safe operation of the rocket stage reinforces the cooperative spirit driving achievements in the field.
In alignment with the Government of India’s policy on space reforms, the involvement of IN-SPACe in enabling the successful static test of the Kalam-250 motor reaffirms the commitment to nurturing a conducive environment for private enterprises in the space sector. The incorporation of indigenous technology and expertise, demonstrated through the test, bolsters India’s position in space exploration and satellite deployment.
The successful test-firing of the Kalam-250 motor signifies a significant stride for Skyroot Aerospace, placing them at the forefront of space technology development in the country. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, such endeavors contribute to India’s evolving capabilities in space exploration, fostering aspirations of larger-scale endeavors and collaborations on the global stage.
