Warangal Micro-Artist's Miniature Sculptures Reach Space Aboard Vikram-1 Rocket
Ajay Kumar began work on the project in 2023 and spent nearly 140 hours before completing them in February this yaer.
WARANGAL: Well-known micro-sculptor Ajay Kumar Mattewada’s work entered a new frontier, which his miniature sculptures were launched into space by Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket as part of Mission Agaman. With this achievement, Ajay Kumar has become the first Indian micro-artist to send sculptures into space.
Ajay Kumar watched the historic launch along with his family at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The micro-sculptures depict three of India's most celebrated scientists — the Nobel laureate Dr C.V. Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space industry after whom the rocket was named, and former President and rocket scientist Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Each sculpture measures about 800 microns — 0.8 mm —in height and need a powerful lens to view.
Ajay Kumar began work on the project in 2023 and spent nearly 140 hours before completing them in February this yaer. The sculptures were mounted inside a specially designed 18-carat gold miniature rocket model. After successfully passing rigorous vibration, heat and other engineering tests conducted by Skyroot Aerospace, the artwork was integrated into the Vikram-1 payload for its journey into space.
Ajay Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that the moment marked the culmination of four decades of dedication to the art of micro-sculpture and was the proudest achievement of his life. He said the mission was not only a personal milestone but also a matter of pride for Indian art, Indian science, Telangana and Warangal. He added that paying tribute to India's legendary scientists through his art was an honour he would cherish forever.
Ajay Kumar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana, and co-founders Naga Bharath Daka, Nikhil Madduri, and C.V.S. Kiran for providing him with the opportunity.
