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Hyderabad space startup successfully tests solid fuel engine for its launch vehicle

Skyroot is among the handful of space startups that have already started working on launch vehicles, satellites, and their applications since the space sector was opened up to private players by the current government two years ago.

The Vikram 1 rocket will use four solid fuel-based stages for the launch.

Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace said Thursday that it successfully tested a solid fuel-based engine that will be used as the third stage in its launch vehicle called Vikram 1. The small-lift launch vehicle will be capable of putting 225 kg payloads into sun-synchronous polar orbit. To compare, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) workhorse PSLV can carry up to 1,750 kg.

The Vikram 1 rocket will use four solid fuel-based stages for the launch. The rocket stage – named Kalam 100 after scientist and India’s former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – was fired in testing facilities for the full duration of 108 seconds. It produces a peak thrust of 100kN (kilonewton).

“Full duration stage level testing is a major milestone for the development of our flagship orbital vehicle Vikram-1. The stage has delivered excellent performance and this success gives great confidence for our other rocket stages planned to be tested soon,” said Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Skyroot.

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Manish Nuwal, managing director (MD) and CEO of Solar Industries India where the test was carried out, said: “This is the largest rocket stage ever designed, manufactured, and tested completely in the Indian private sector. We are proud to be a part of this achievement by supporting the propellant processing and static testing at our world-class facilities in Nagpur.”

Skyroot is among the handful of space startups that have already started working on launch vehicles, satellites, and their applications since the space sector was opened up to private players by the current government two years ago.

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After a joint meeting of all science ministries Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted: “Within 2 years of “unlocking” of Space Sector by PM Sh @NarendraModi, amazing enthusiasm among youngsters. 55 #Startup proposals received, 75 Students’ Satellites for launch in 75th year of independence #AmrutMahotsav…”

Last year, Skyroot successfully demonstrated the country’s first privately developed cryogenic engine, Dhawan-1. The engine, which will be the upper stage in the Vikram-2 rocket, was completely 3D printed using a superalloy, with the process reducing the manufacturing time by 95 per cent.

The company is developing a series of three small satellite launch vehicles called Vikram 1, Vikram 2, and Vikram 3.

Anonna Dutt

Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country’s space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University’s Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor’s Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More

First uploaded on: 19-05-2022 at 14:53 IST

No political clearance sought or issued for Prajwal Revanna’s travel to Germany: MEA

IndiaUpdated: May 3, 2024 01:58 IST

Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is at the centre of a sexual abuse case, travelled on a diplomatic passport, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday, and added that no political clearance was either sought from or issued by the MEA with respect to the travel of the MP to Germany.

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