Skyroot has designed Vikram-1 to support flexible, rapid satellite deployment
Hyderabad: Skyroot Aerospace on Monday announced it has successfully completed the static fire test of Kalam-100, which is the third part of its Vikram-1 rocket. This takes the Hyderabad-based startup a step closer to its debut orbital launch.
“The third stage of our Vikram-1 launch vehicle, Kalam-100, roared to life for over 102 seconds — equipped with an advanced flex nozzle for precise thrust vector control,” the company said in a post on X. Designed to operate entirely in space, this solid-fuel stage is the final of three, followed by a liquid-powered upper module.
The company described the test as “a success engineered by many – people and computers”, stating that it used “cutting-edge sensors to capture 150+ data channels” during the firing. Flight conditions were simulated using Skyroot’s in-house developed automatic launch computer and flight avionics suite. The test built on a previous fixed-nozzle trial, which incorporates live thrust vectoring through actuated nozzle movement.
Kalam-100 is named after former President and missile scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The first and second stages of Vikram-1 carry the rocket through the lower and upper atmosphere, while Kalam-100 is responsible for orbital boost once the vehicle is in space. The static fire was conducted at a test site in Nagpur operated by defence firm Solar Group which also supported the casting of the motor. Solar Group is among Skyroot’s early backers and holds a minority stake in the startup.
Skyroot has designed Vikram-1 to support flexible, rapid satellite deployment.
The rocket is intended to deliver up to 480 kilograms into low-inclination orbits and is built for quick integration and launch. According to the company, Vikram-1 is scheduled to be launched from Sriharikota later this year.
In earlier trials, Skyroot validated the second stage (Kalam-250), tested the Raman-II liquid engine for the upper stage, and completed reaction control system checks. “One giant leap toward orbit,” the company said in its post. The next tests in line include the static fire of the first stage and a payload separation trial.
