Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 Rocket Third Stage Test Success

Hyderabad Startup Reaches Major Milestone

Hyderabad-based spacetech startup, Skyroot Aerospace, has successfully tested the third stage of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle, known as Kalam-100. This accomplishment brings the company closer to launching India’s first private commercial space launch vehicle into lower earth orbit.

Kalam-100 Test Details

• The Kalam-100 was active for over 102 seconds during the test.
• It features an advanced flex nozzle for accurate thrust vector control.
• Kalam-100 produces a peak vacuum thrust of 100kN at an operating area ratio of 60.

Skyroot announced the successful test on Monday, crediting both people and computers for their contributions.

In-House Developments by Skyroot

• Skyroot developed the automatic launch computer and entire suite of Vikram-1 flight avionics in-house.
• The test utilized an in-house developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) for safe rocket stage operation.

The static test also employed advanced sensors to capture over 150 data channels, expanding on the success of the previous fixed-nozzle static fire test.

Investors and Supporting Parties

• Solar Group, a minority stakeholder in Skyroot, provided casting support for the third stage of the rocket.
• The test took place at Solar Group’s testbed in Nagpur.
• Other Skyroot investors include Singapore’s GIC and Temasek, the founders of Greenko Group, Myntra founder Mukesh Bansal’s Meraki Labs, Sherpalo Ventures, Worldquant Ventures, AUM Ventures, and Graph Ventures.

With this significant milestone achieved, Skyroot Aerospace is on its way to making history with India’s first private commercial space launch.