India’s private space-tech startup, Skyroot Aerospace has successfully tested Kalam-100 engine, the third stage of its Vikram-1 rocket, marking a major step toward the country’s first private orbital rocket launch.
Key Highlights of Test
Engine Tested:
- Kalam-100, the third stage of Vikram-1, was successfully static-fired for over 102 seconds.
- It delivered a peak vacuum thrust of 100 kN, operating at an area ratio of 60.
- The engine features an advanced flex nozzle to enable precise Thrust Vector Control (TVC), ensuring stable and targeted flight trajectories.
Payload Capacity:
- Vikram-1 is designed to carry 480 kg to a 500 km Low Inclination Orbit (LIO)—a major capability for launching small satellites.
Naming Significance:
- Vikram-1 is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program.
- Kalam-100 is named in tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s “Missile Man” and former President.
Tech Achievements:
- The test validated the engine’s performance and safety using over 150 data channels captured through advanced sensors.
- Skyroot’s own flight avionics suite, including the mission computer and automatic launch computer (except chipset), was used in the test.
- A Head-Mounted Safe Arm (HMSA) system, also developed in-house, ensured safe operations.
- This successful test of Kalam-100 clears a critical hurdle toward Vikram-1’s maiden orbital launch, expected soon. It also reflects India’s increasing private sector involvement in space technology and aligns with government’s push for space sector liberalization under IN-SPACe and ISRO’s guidance.
Testing Partner:
- The static test was conducted at the Solar Group’s testbed in Nagpur.
- Solar Group, which also holds a minority stake in Skyroot, provided casting support for the rocket’s third stage.
About Vikram-1 Rocket:
| Feature | Details |
| Developer | Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad-based private spacetech company) |
| Mission | To launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| Payload | 480 kg to 500 km orbit |
| Stages | Three-stage solid-propelled rocket |
| Innovation | Entirely developed by India’s private sector, a first of its kind |
Why It Matters:
| Aspect | Significance |
| Private Sector Milestone | Skyroot is set to become India’s first private company to launch an orbital rocket. |
| Indigenization | Aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in space technology. |
| Strategic Capability | Adds private launch capability to India’s existing ISRO-led infrastructure. |
| Global Competitiveness | Strengthens India’s position in the commercial small satellite launch market. |