Daijiworld Media Network – Sriharikota

Sriharikota, Aug 9: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday announced that Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has successfully completed 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.

The test, held at 9:05 am at SDSC’s Static Test Complex, is a major milestone in the development of the Vikram-1, which is being built by the private space startup.

ISRO stated that the KALAM 1200 is an 11-metre-long, 1.7-metre-diameter monolithic composite motor loaded with 30 tonnes of solid propellant — the longest monolithic motor prepared at the Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota. The special test stand for the trial was also designed by ISRO.

Calling it “a major milestone,” ISRO wrote on X, “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.”

The achievement aligns with the Government of India’s Space Policy 2023, which promotes private participation in space missions by providing access to ISRO’s infrastructure and expertise.

Earlier this week, ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan hailed the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on an indigenously developed GSLV rocket, calling it “one of the most precise launches ever.”