Warangal Micro Artist’s Work To Fly On Vikram 1
The artwork features microscopic sculptures of Dr C.V. Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai
HANAMKONDA: The ‘microart’ to be launched aboard Vikram‑1, India’s first orbital launch vehicle built by Skyroot Aerospace, was created by internationally acclaimed micro artist Ajay Kumar Mattewada of Warangal.
The artwork features microscopic sculptures of Dr C.V. Raman, Dr Vikram Sarabhai — after whom the rocket is named — and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, each measuring about 800 microns (0.8 mm), small enough to fit inside the eye of a needle.
The piece will travel into space between July 12 and August 4 during Mission Agaman, alongside several technology demonstration experiments.
Begun in 2023 and completed in February 2026, the project required nearly 140 hours of meticulous work. Mattewada said he used space‑compatible materials including stainless steel, 24‑karat gold, pure silver, ceramic powder and carbon fibre particles. The sculptures were mounted inside an 18‑karat gold miniature rocket model designed for spaceflight.
Developed in line with Skyroot Aerospace’s engineering specifications, the artwork cleared vibration, thermal and environmental qualification tests before being integrated into a protective payload housing.
Calling it the greatest recognition of his four‑decade artistic journey, Mattewada said he felt immense pride that miniature sculptures of three of India’s most celebrated scientists would travel into space. He described the mission as a tribute to generations of scientific leadership that shaped modern India.
He thanked Skyroot Aerospace co‑founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana, Naga Bharath Daka, Nikhil Madduri and Dr C.V.S. Kiran for supporting the project.
Mattewada has devoted over 40 years to micro sculpture. He said working with 18‑karat gold at a microscopic scale was one of his greatest challenges. “Unlike rigid stainless steel, its softness meant even the slightest pressure could deform or damage the miniature structure,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
His smallest micro sculpture is a dancing Lord Ganesha measuring just 0.37 mm (370 microns), created on the tip of an eyelash for Ganesh Chaturthi. Invisible to the naked eye, it can only be viewed under a microscope.
Mattewada said he creates all his micro sculptures entirely by hand, without automated machines or 3D printing.
