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Skyroot Aerospace successfully tests KALAM 1200
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Friday that Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully conducted the first static test of its powerful KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, the first stage of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
About Vikram-1
Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, which will provide on-demand and customised launches for global small satellite operators, both within the country and globally.
The static test, conducted at the spaceport under the patronage of ISRO, validated the performance of the 30-tonne booster stage of Vikram-1, which is scheduled for its maiden flight later this year.
The KALAM 1200 serves as the first stage of Vikram-1, which is a monolithic composite motor measuring 11 metres in length and 1.7 metres in diameter, with an ability to carry 30 tonnes of solid propellant.
It is also the longest monolithic motor ever manufactured at the Solid Propellant Plant in the space centre at Sriharikota.
ISRO engineers have reportedly designed the specialised test stand used for the trial.
ISRO shares achievement on X
ISRO shared that this achievement aligns with the Government of India’s Space Policy 2023, which encourages private aerospace companies to utilise ISRO’s advanced technical infrastructure and expertise to strengthen the country’s space economy. It called the test "a major milestone" on X.
ISRO wrote, "Successful static test of KALAM 1200 solid motor, the first stage of Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., conducted at 09:05 hrs on 08.08.2025 at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, ISRO. A major milestone in Vikram-1 development."
✅ Successful static test of KALAM 1200 solid motor, the first stage of Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., conducted at 09:05 hrs on 08.08.2025 at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, ISRO.
— ISRO (@isro) August 8, 2025
A major milestone in Vikram-1 development.
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Earlier this week, ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan praised the victorious launch of the jointly built NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, calling it "one of the most precise launches ever" using an indigenously built GSLV rocket.
About Skyroot Aerospace
Founded in 2018 by IITian Pawan Kumar Chandana, Skyroot Aerospace is an Indian private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service startup headquartered in Hyderabad.