ISRO and Skyroot Aerospace complete static test of KALAM 1200, boosting India’s private space sector

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed today that Skyroot Aerospace has successfully completed the first static test of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, the first stage of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s Static Test Complex in Sriharikota. The test occurred at 09:05 hours on Aug 8.

The KALAM 1200 motor is approximately 11 metres long and 1.7 metres in diameter, carrying 30 tonnes of solid propellant. It is the longest monolithic composite motor ever produced at the Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota.

ISRO designed both the motor and the specialized test stand required for the trial.

Skyroot Aerospace, based in Hyderabad, developed the motor as part of its upcoming Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle—India’s first privately developed rocket designed for small satellite missions.

The success of this static test brings the company one step closer to its maiden orbital launch, expected later in 2025.

This milestone reflects the objectives laid out under India’s Space Policy 2023, which encourages private sector participation in national space efforts through access to ISRO’s technical infrastructure and know-how.

For Skyroot Aerospace, the KALAM 1200 milestone is a springboard in a broader development trajectory. The company has previously tested other components of the Vikram series, such as the stage separation system and upper-stage engines, including the carbon-composite Kalam-100 and the Raman liquid-stage engine.

In summary, the successful static firing of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor not only demonstrates India’s expanding private-sector capabilities in space but also underscores a growing synergy between ISRO and emerging space enterprises, laying a strong foundation for future launch successes.