The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has conducted the first static test of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor, developed by Skyroot Aerospace for the Vikram-1 launch vehicle, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 8 August 2025. The test, carried out at 09:05 hrs, validated burn rate, ballistic performance, and thermal protection systems.
The KALAM 1200 motor is 11 metres long, 1.7 metres in diameter, and contains 30 tonnes of solid propellant. It generates a peak thrust of approximately 1,200 kN (about 120 tons-force), nearly ten times the thrust of a Boeing 737 Max engine. The motor features a monolithic carbon composite casing and incorporates a composite flex nozzle system for steering, controlled by the Vikram-1’s onboard computer.
The motor was manufactured at the Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota, using design inputs from ISRO. ISRO also provided the design for the test stand used in the static firing. According to the company, the motor’s performance during the test matched predictions.
The KALAM 1200 will serve as the first stage of Vikram-1, which is intended for launching small satellites. The test was conducted with technical support from ISRO under the framework of India’s Space Policy 2023, which aims to facilitate private sector participation in space activities.
Skyroot Aerospace, based in Hyderabad, develops small satellite launch vehicles for commercial space missions. The company is building the Vikram series of rockets, named after scientist Vikram Sarabhai, to provide cost-effective access to space.
