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Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Conducts Test of Kalam-100 Engine for Upcoming Vikram-1 Rocket.

Science and Technology | Dated: 09 Apr 2025

In April 2025, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, a leading Indian spacetech startup, successfully conducted the static fire test of its Kalam-100 engine. The test was carried out at Solar Group’s testbed in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking a major milestone in the development of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The Kalam-100 engine, part of Vikram-1's third stage, is named in honour of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President and prominent aerospace scientist. The successful static fire test propels Skyroot closer to the maiden flight of Vikram-1, signifying a historic leap for India’s private space sector.
  • - During the test, the Kalam-100 engine fired continuously for over 102 seconds, delivering a peak vacuum thrust of 100 kilonewtons (kN). It features an operating area ratio of 60 in flight, showcasing strong performance and reliability under orbital conditions.
  • - The engine also integrates an advanced flex nozzle, providing precision in thrust vector control. This feature enables accurate maneuvering in space, enhancing the rocket’s capability for deploying payloads to desired orbits.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Kalam-100 is a solid-fuel engine with a carbon composite structure and EPDM-based thermal protection system, combining high strength with lightweight efficiency. It includes a head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) for enhanced safety, co-developed with ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
  • (ii) Previously, in March 2024, Skyroot had successfully tested the Kalam-250 engine (stage-2 of Vikram-1) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. These progressive tests reflect Skyroot's consistent momentum in private launch vehicle development.
  • (iii) The Vikram-1 launch vehicle is designed to carry up to 480 kg of payload to a 500 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It includes four stages—three solid-fuel motors (Kalam-1200, Kalam-250, Kalam-100) and a final liquid-fueled Raman engine. Its first launch is expected by the end of 2025.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Indian spacetech company successfully conducted the test of the Kalam-100 engine for the Vikram-1 rocket?

Correct Answer: Skyroot Aerospace

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited

  • CEO : Pawan Kumar Chandana
  • Headquarters : Telangana