The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday announced that Skyroot Aerospace has successfully completed the first static test of its KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, the first stage of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
The test, conducted at 9:05 am at SDSC’s Static Test Complex, marks a critical step in the development of Vikram-1, the flagship small satellite launch vehicle of Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.
According to ISRO, the KALAM 1200 is an 11-metre-long, 1.7-metre-diameter monolithic composite motor loaded with 30 tonnes of solid propellant—making it the longest monolithic motor ever produced at the Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota. The special test stand used for the trial was designed by ISRO itself.
Calling the achievement “a major milestone,” ISRO highlighted that it aligns with the Government of India’s Space Policy 2023, which promotes private sector participation by granting access to ISRO’s infrastructure and expertise to boost the nation’s space economy.
On X, ISRO posted: “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.”
Earlier this week, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan also hailed the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, describing it as “one of the most precise launches ever” using an indigenously developed GSLV rocket.
