Hyd-based Skyroot successfully tests its Kalam-100 rocket
The city-based space aerospace start-up, Skyroot Aerospace, successfully conducted a static fire test of its Kalam-100 rocket that will power the Vikran-1 launch vehicle. The third stage, named Kalam-100 after former President APJ Abdul Kalam, was fired for a duration of 108 seconds.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 19 May 2022 1:18 PM GMT
Hyderabad: The city-based space aerospace start-up, Skyroot Aerospace, successfully conducted a static fire test of its Kalam-100 rocket that will power the Vikran-1 launch vehicle. The third stage, named Kalam-100 after former President APJ Abdul Kalam, was fired for a duration of 108 seconds.
"We're fired up to announce our successful completion of full duration static fire test of Vikram-1 rocket stage 'Kalam-100'," Skyroot Aerospace said in a tweet on Thursday. Further mentioning the details, it added, "Peak Thrust: ~10Tons. Carbon Fiber Built. Burn time: 108s."
Kalam-100 is the third stage of the Orbital vehicle Vikram-1 that has now completed a successful static test. According to Skyroot, the stage produces a peak vacuum thrust of 100 kN (or ~10 tons) and has a burn time of 108 seconds. The agency further detailed the stage in a statement and added that a "good match" of test results was obtained from the test.
During the test, the rocket produced a peak vacuum thrust of 100 kN (about10 tons) showing its structure built with a high-strength carbon-fiber structure, solid fuel, Ethylene-Propylene-Diene terpolymers (EPDM) thermal protection system, and carbon ablative nozzle.
"It's unbelievable the kind of energy this rocket stage contains, and witnessing the test live with that fiery roar is priceless. Unforgettable experience working with the team on this key milestone. Can't wait to see this fly soon," Skyroot CEO Pawan K Chandana said in a tweet.
Chandana further said it is a major milestone for the company and that it has delivered an excellent performance and gives the team new confidence. The Vikram-1 has been designed to deliver 480 kilograms of cargo to 500 km in the Low Inclination Orbit.
"A good match of test results with our design predictions has been obtained. This is yet the largest rocket stage ever designed, manufactured, and tested completely in the Indian private sector," Skyroot said.
The start-up had, in January, raised $4.5 million in Series-B funding.
