Space Launch Vehicle Kalaam 250 successfully tested by Skyroot Aerospace

In a significant stride towards fostering India's burgeoning private space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilitated the static test of the S2 motor of the Kalam-250 rocket, designed and developed by the Indian space start-up Skyroot Aerospace. This collaborative endeavor underscores ISRO's commitment to nurturing the nation's aerospace ecosystem and empowering innovative ventures.

The Test Facilitation Process

The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota played a pivotal role in enabling this crucial test, leveraging its state-of-the-art propulsion testbed facilities. The process was seamlessly facilitated by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), an autonomous nodal agency established by the Government of India to promote and regulate private sector participation in the space domain. Stringent safety protocols were adhered to, with rigorous technical reviews and clearances obtained prior to the test execution on March 27, 2024.

SDSC-SHAR, drawing upon its extensive expertise, conducted a comprehensive technical assessment and feasibility study, ultimately selecting the 6A-High Capacity testbed as the ideal platform for executing the test. Additionally, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), another esteemed ISRO center, contributed its indigenously developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) system, ensuring the safe operation of the rocket stage during the testing phase.

Extensive Instrumentation and Data Acquisition

To capture the crucial parameters during the test, an extensive array of instrumentation systems was deployed, encompassing approximately 196 measurements across various parameters such as thrust, pressure, strain, temperature, heat flux, acoustics, vibration, displacement, and pyrotechnics. This comprehensive data acquisition setup allowed for detailed analysis and validation of the rocket motor's performance.

Successful Test and Data Sharing

The test was successfully conducted, with all testbed systems, including instrumentation, performing within normal parameters, affirming the safety and efficacy of the test. In accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP), ISRO shared digital data, including high-speed camera images, with Skyroot Aerospace, enabling the start-up to leverage these insights for their upcoming orbital space launch endeavors.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

This collaborative effort between ISRO and Skyroot Aerospace exemplifies the agency's commitment to fostering technological advancements and facilitating innovative endeavors by non-governmental entities in the aerospace domain. By providing access to its world-class facilities and expertise, ISRO is paving the way for a vibrant and competitive private space industry in India, catalyzing the nation's progress in this strategic sector.

About Kalam-250 and Vikram-1 Rocket

The Kalam-250 is the stage-2 of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 space launch vehicle, a multi-stage rocket designed to place payloads weighing around 300 kg into low-Earth orbit. Named after the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space program, the Vikram-1 represents a significant milestone in the country's private space endeavors.

Key Features of Kalam-250:

• High-Strength Carbon Composite Rocket Motor: The Kalam-250 is a high-strength carbon composite rocket motor that employs solid fuel, renowned for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
• Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymers (EPDM) Thermal Protection System (TPS): The stage incorporates an advanced EPDM thermal protection system, ensuring optimal performance during the demanding conditions of atmospheric ascent.
• Carbon Ablative Flex Nozzle with Electro-Mechanical Actuators: A key component of the Kalam-250 is its carbon ablative flex nozzle, coupled with high-precision electro-mechanical actuators for thrust vector control. This sophisticated system aids in achieving the desired trajectory for the launch vehicle, enabling precise maneuverability during the critical phase of atmospheric ascent.
• Crucial Role in Atmospheric Ascent: As the second stage of the Vikram-1 rocket, the Kalam-250 plays a pivotal role in propelling the launch vehicle from the Earth's atmosphere into the vacuum of outer space, a critical juncture in the mission's success.

The Vikram-1 Rocket: A Leap Forward for India's Private Space Sector

Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, the Vikram-1 rocket represents a significant leap forward for India's private space industry. With its unique design featuring an all-carbon-fiber body, the Vikram-1 is poised to revolutionize the launch of multiple satellites into orbit.

Key Highlights of the Vikram-1 Rocket:

• Solid-Fuel Propulsion: The Vikram-1 employs solid-fuel propulsion, which offers advantages such as minimal infrastructure requirements and the ability to assemble and launch the rocket within 24 hours from any suitable site.
• Low-Earth Orbit Payload Capacity: The rocket has been designed to place payloads weighing around 300 kg into low-Earth orbit, catering to the growing demand for small satellite launches.
• Streamlined Operations: The solid-fuel rocket's relatively simpler technologies enable streamlined operations, reducing complexities and costs associated with traditional liquid-fuel systems.
• Tribute to India's Space Pioneer: The name "Vikram-1" pays homage to the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, whose contributions laid the foundation for India's thriving space program.

The successful test of the Kalam-250 rocket motor marks a significant milestone in Skyroot Aerospace's journey towards realizing their ambitious goals. With ISRO's invaluable support and the nation's burgeoning private space ecosystem, India is poised to witness a new era of innovation and exploration in the aerospace sector, propelling the country's technological prowess to new heights.