Video: Skyroot tests retro engine of Vikram-1 that will trigger stage separation
Skyroot Aerospace has successfully completed the developmental tests of the Vikram-1 rocket's retro motors as it steps closer to India's first privately built orbital rocket launch.The Hyderabad-based startup announced that all six firings of these retro engines met their target thrust and differential delay specifications, ensuring a smooth and reliable separation of the rocket's first stage during flight.The retro motors, the smallest solid propulsion units on the Vikram-1, play a crucial role in the vehicle's multi-stage architecture.Vikram-1's retro motors successfully completed the developmental tests! The smallest solid motors on the vehicle they're vital for clean separation of Stage 1. Six firings confirm they are hitting all target thrust and differential delay specs for a smooth jettison. pic.twitter.com/NvVhBHcsZF— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) May 27, 2025advertisement
During ascent, these motors fire to decelerate the spent first stage, enabling a clean jettison and minimizing the risk of collision or debris between stages. This stage separation is a critical maneuver in any multi-stage rocket, directly impacting mission reliability and the safety of payload deployment.Skyroot's recent tests, conducted as part of a broader series of qualification campaigns, included six successful static firings. Each test validated the motors' ability to deliver precise thrust and timing, both vital for ensuring that the first stage separates cleanly from the rest of the rocket.The company emphasised that these results mark a major step forward in preparing the Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital flight, expected later this year."In that critical window, precision takes over: four jettison motors start firing in perfect sync within milliseconds, delivering nearly 10 tons of retro thrust for about a second to counter residual force and cleanly push Stage-1 toward Earth, avoiding collision with Stage-2. This precise maneuver minimizes the no-control zone, ensuring a smooth transition before Stage-2 ignites and takes command of the mission," Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace said.advertisementThe Vikram-1, designed to deliver up to 480 kg to low Earth orbit, features three solid propulsion stages and advanced systems for stage separation and trajectory control. With the retro motors now flight-proven, Skyroot is one step closer to joining the ranks of private companies capable of launching satellites into orbit—a landmark for India's burgeoning private space sector.Must Watch
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