Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Conducts Static Test of Vikram-1 Rocket’s KALAM-1200 Booster.

In August 2025, Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited (SAPL) achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first static test of the KALAM-1200 solid rocket motor. This motor serves as the first stage booster of the Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle (LV). The test took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a key advancement in the development of India’s private sector-led space capabilities.

      - The KALAM-1200 motor is an 11-meter-long, 1.7-meter diameter monolithic composite solid rocket motor carrying a propellant mass of 30 tonnes. It is designed to generate up to 1200 kilonewtons (kN) of peak thrust in space, providing the necessary power to propel the Vikram-1 launch vehicle.

      - This powerful motor is named in honour of former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, widely recognized as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his contributions to India’s space and missile programs.

      - The motor uses Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) based solid propellant, equipped with a high-temperature nozzle to protect against thermal damage during combustion. The static test aimed to validate the motor’s thrust profile, combustion stability, thermal integrity of the nozzle, and overall structural performance under high pressure. This ensures the motor’s reliability for operational launches.

Main Point :-   (i) The successful test of KALAM-1200 aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023, which encourages private companies to participate actively in the space sector by providing technical infrastructure and managerial guidance. Skyroot Aerospace’s accomplishment underscores India’s progress in fostering private sector innovation in space technology and launch vehicle development.

      (ii) Vikram-1 is India’s first orbital-class launch vehicle developed by Skyroot Aerospace. It is a three-stage solid propulsion launch vehicle designed to deploy small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Scheduled for launch in 2025, Vikram-1 offers fast and on-demand access to space, supporting satellite deployment missions with a payload capacity ranging from approximately 290 to 320 kilograms into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) and approximately 480 kilograms into Low-Inclination Orbit (LIO).

(iii) The KALAM-1200 booster’s role is critical as it provides the initial high-thrust impulse needed to lift the rocket off the ground and accelerate it through the dense lower atmosphere. This successful static test marks a major step towards the first launch of Vikram-1, demonstrating Skyroot Aerospace’s capability to build reliable and efficient propulsion systems, further advancing India’s private space sector ambitions.
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