Latest news with #SkyrootAerospace
India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
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 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 retro motors, the smallest solid propulsion units on the Vikram-1, play a crucial role in the vehicle's multi-stage 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. 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 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 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 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 Watch
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skyroot successfully tests stage separation system for Vikram-1 rocket
Hyderabad: As spacetech startup Skyroot Aerospace gears up for the launch of India's first privately built orbital rocket , Vikram-1, into low Earth orbit (LEO) later this year, the company achieved yet another milestone. It successfully tested the stage separation system of the rocket. As part of this, the Hyderabad-based startup tested the separation of stage 2 of the rocket from stage 3. "Clean separation, smooth execution! Our team just nailed the stage separation test of Vikram-1. The ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system we developed in-house worked like a charm, smoothly separating Stage 2 from Stage 3 – in another boost to our journey to orbit!" Skyroot Aerospace said on social media platform X. "Imagine separating two rocket stages in space within a few milliseconds – without generating a shock – pulling them apart by 1.2 metres with just a few cms of clearance between the nozzle and internal fuel tanks and propelling the separating stage with enough energy to reach the required jettisoning velocity within 0.2 seconds. This is what it takes to separate rocket stages in the deep vacuum of space – and we've now qualified our proprietary stage separation and jettisoning system for flight. Another critical milestone on the path to the launch of Vikram-1," Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace, announced on X. The latest test is part of the battery of tests conducted by Skyroot over the past couple of months in preparation for the launch of Vikram-1 later this year. These include the structural rigidity test of Kalam-1200, the carbon composite stage-1 motor that is touted as the longest monolithic motor casing developed in India using Skyroot's proprietary filament winding process. Kalam-1200 will propel Vikram-1 from the ground through the Earth's atmosphere. The startup also tested Raman 50N mini thrusters that will be integrated into Vikram-1's orbital adjustment module and provide pitch and yaw control during flight. Earlier in May this year, Skyroot also qualified Vikram-1's interstages, which are four load-bearing structures that will house the avionics, separation systems, and critical sensors and will play a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of the rocket throughout its ascent into orbit. In April this year, Skyroot also ran pre-flight tests on the mission computer of the launch vehicle as well as the composite nozzle and flex nozzle control system of Kalam-1200, the first stage of the rocket.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Skyroot successfully tests stage separation, moves closer to Vikram-1 launch
Skyroot Aerospace has successfully conducted the crucial stage separation test using its in-house developed ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system. This brings the company a step closer to gettin ready for the launch of the privately developed Vikram-1 test, which verified the smooth and reliable separation of Stage 2 from Stage 3, marks a significant step forward for India's first privately designed and developed orbital-class launch pneumatic separation system, engineered to minimise mechanical shock during the separation process, performed flawlessly, ensuring the integrity of both rocket stages and technology is critical for the safe deployment of sensitive satellite payloads and enhances the reliability of Vikram-1's multi-stage architecture. The successful test boosts confidence as Skyroot prepares for the rocket's maiden orbital flight, expected later this separation, smooth execution!Our team just nailed the stage separation test of Vikram-1. The ultra-low shock pneumatic separation system we developed in-house worked like a charm, smoothly separating Stage 2 from Stage 3 — in another boost to our journey to orbit! Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) May 20, 2025Earlier, Skyroot's Raman Mini thrusters, designed to provide precise pitch and yaw control during flight, had also cleared their flight qualification 50N thrusters, made from high-performance alloys and featuring 3D-printed coaxial swirl injectors, demonstrated robust and consistent performance across all qualification complete, the thrusters are now ready for integration into Vikram-1's Orbital Adjustment Module, where they will play a vital role in fine-tuning the rocket's trajectory and ensuring accurate satellite part of the Vikram series named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is designed to deliver up to 480 kg to low Earth orbit and 290 kg to sun-synchronous polar orbit, offering rapid assembly and launch capabilities from minimal mini to the max! Raman Mini thrusters for Vikram-1 came out all chambers blazing during the flight qualification. With the performance now proven, these 50N thrusters are ready to be integrated into the vehicle's Orbital Adjustment Module, and provide pitch/yaw control Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) May 14, 2025Its architecture features three solid propulsion stages and a liquid-fueled fourth stage powered by Raman engines, enabling multi-orbit insertion and cost-effective access to recent successes shows the rapid progress of India's private space sector and its growing ability to compete globally in small satellite launch the stage separation system and Raman Mini thrusters now flight-proven, Vikram-1 is on track to launch into space with customer Watch
India.com
25-04-2025
- Science
- India.com
A Celestial Farewell: Remembering K. Kasturirangan, The Man Who Gave India Its Space Wings
Former ISRO chairman Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan passed away at the age of 84. (File) India has lost one of its brightest stars in the sky of science and innovation. Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away today at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich legacy of vision, discipline, and unmatched contributions to India's aerospace journey. His passing is not just a loss to the scientific community but to the nation that he helped lift—literally—into space. Dr. Kasturirangan was more than a scientist; he was a dreamer with a strategy. A man who combined curiosity with conviction. His leadership shaped India's space programme during a time of global flux, and he steered ISRO with clarity and calm through its most transformative decade. From PSLV to GSLV: A Launchpad to Self-Reliance Taking over as ISRO Chairman in 1994, Dr. Kasturirangan ushered in a new era of launch vehicle capability. It was under his stewardship that the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) matured into a reliable workhorse, placing India firmly among global space powers. He also led the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which gave India the ability to place heavier satellites into orbit, reducing dependence on foreign launchers. A Sky Full of Satellites: Earth, Weather, and Connectivity Dr. Kasturirangan didn't just aim for rockets—he aimed for results. Under his leadership, India launched some of its most advanced remote sensing satellites like IRS-1C and IRS-1D, which revolutionized agriculture, resource mapping, and disaster management. On the communication front, satellites like INSAT-2C and INSAT-3B enhanced India's weather forecasting, telemedicine, and distance learning capabilities, extending the benefits of space to the remotest corners of the country. Chandrayaan's Unsung Architect It was Dr. Kasturirangan who planted the seeds of Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission. While it was executed under later leadership, the blueprint bore his signature—a testament to his foresight. He recognized early on that India's scientific aspirations must extend beyond Earth, and that space exploration was both a scientific necessity and a symbol of national capability. The Private Sector's Silent Ally A silent reformer, Dr. Kasturirangan paved the way for public-private collaboration in the space sector. Today's boom of startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel owes a part of its origin to the groundwork laid during his tenure. He understood that ISRO alone could not carry the weight of India's space ambitions and pushed for greater inclusion of industry in research and manufacturing. From Space to Classrooms: Architect of New India's Education Vision After retiring from ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan didn't rest. He turned his attention to education—most notably as Chairman of the Committee that drafted India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. His vision of blending scientific temperament with foundational learning is now shaping millions of young Indian minds. He believed that space technology and education were twin engines of a strong nation—and he served both with equal passion. Honours That Reflect a Life of Service For his unmatched service to the nation, Dr. Kasturirangan was honoured with: Padma Shri (1982) Padma Bhushan (1992) Padma Vibhushan (2000) These awards reflect not just his brilliance, but his deep humility and lifelong dedication to national development. A Legacy That Touches Earth and Sky Today, every time we track a cyclone with satellite data, every time students in a remote village attend an online class, every time a rocket leaves Indian soil, we are walking in Dr. Kasturirangan's footsteps. His legacy lives on in the skies above us, in the technologies around us, and in the dreams of a billion Indians who look to the stars with pride and purpose. In an age of noise and haste, he was a man of depth and direction. His vision still orbits above us. And his absence, like space itself, leaves a void that only memory and inspiration can fill. Dr. Kasturirangan. You showed India the way to the stars. (The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Reach him at: girishlinganna@
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Skyroot Aerospace en route to Earth orbit
As soon as the exam ended and the bell rang, what did we do with our question papers? Some of us tossed them back in our bags to foretell our marks, while others fancied themselves to be Picassos and Van Goghs, turning the sheets into their personal doodle pads. But then there were those who meticulously folded the paper to create rockets, pretending to be India's top scientists before the next period started. Because rockets — they're fascinating, aren't they? Well, Pawan Kumar Chandana's fascination skyrocketed to the point where he, along with his friend Naga Bharath Daka, founded Skyroot Aerospace, which launched India's first privately developed rocket. A former ISRO scientist and IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Pawan now leads a team of over 350 individuals building world-class launch vehicles. He speaks with CE about Skyroot's ascent, Vikram-I, and what lies ahead. Excerpts Skyroot is very clear about its mission to 'open space for all'. In an era where many are looking to 'conquer' space, where does this thought come from? Space was always meant to be a place to explore, learn from, and utilise thoughtfully to improve lives on Earth. Astronauts say that from up there, you don't see boundaries and regional differences, but just this beautiful blue marble that sustains life like no other planet we know of. Earth is a unique place in the vast galaxy, and what we achieve in space, be it through satellite communications or deep space exploration, should be for the benefit of all on Earth. Our purpose at Skyroot is to enable this by democratising access to space. Once we remove the barriers to space for nations, startups, and even universities alike, we can build incredible technological solutions that can impact how we live, communicate, irrigate, plan our cities, protect the environment, and more. This one is for our curious readers — why the name 'Skyroot'? We aim high and soar skyward — not for the sheer thrill of it, but for the very rooted belief that what's up there improves lives on Earth. Were you always interested in space? I come from a very humble family. Good values and good education were the dinner topics; space at the time felt so far off. But as I grew up, my deep passion for technology and the cosmos grew. Even as rockets fascinated me, I did not know that I would one day be building them. The turning point was at IIT-Kharagpur. I came to know that ISRO was coming to the campus for recruitment. At that time, most IIT students preferred to join consumer tech companies or global software giants, and even ISRO did not frequent IITs so often. But my single-minded focus then was to join ISRO, because I knew space was my calling. You were a scientist at ISRO for several years. How was your stint there and what fuelled you to set up Skyroot? The six years I spent at ISRO were incredibly rewarding. It was a fulfilling dream to be part of building a rocket. I had the opportunity to be part of the team that built the biggest rocket ISRO was then developing — the LVM3, or the Bahubali rocket. ISRO was also a great vantage point to observe how the rest of the world was developing their space technologies. I could see the rise of private companies in the US and other countries, which were building rockets innovatively and cost efficiently. Private space programmes were broadening the horizon of who could access and build for space. I could see how the future of space was evolving. And yet, there was no Indian private company building rockets. So, I found the second chapter of my space calling. In 2018, my friend Bharath and I started Skyroot. We wanted to build an Indian company that could go global and develop rockets for the world. In 2022, Skyroot launched India's first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S. And recently, you test-fired Kalam-100, the third stage of Vikram-I. Can you tell us more about this? As the saying goes, it is rocket science — it is incredibly challenging. Numerous systems and subsystems have to sync in perfect harmony for a rocket to launch successfully. You have to test and test again until you perfect every small aspect of a rocket. And even then, there are external challenges such as unexpected weather. The margin of error is very slim. The true test is to launch a rocket. And that is what makes Vikram-S special. It was a validation for the technologies that we had developed at Skyroot. It was our small writing in the sky to showcase where we have reached, and where we plan to go further. Now, we are preparing to validate the second part of that, i.e., where we plan to go. With Vikram-I, we aim to place satellites from across the world into Earth's orbit. No private company in India has done this before. So, we have to test every aspect of this seven-storey-tall rocket before placing it vertically on the launchpad. This includes static fire of all the three solid stages, numerous short and long duration firing of the liquid engines, and more. In the recent test, we fired the third stage of the rocket called Kalam-100, which is designed to operate completely in space. The test evaluated its ballistic performance, thermal insulation, nozzle actuation, and other key parameters — and it was a great success. For the uninitiated — what does it take to build a rocket? Audacity and perseverance. Of course, there is a lot of technological innovation and iterations involved. But building a rocket is not a linear journey. No rocket has ever been built without some failure or another. You will face setbacks on the way. You have to learn from them just as you do from your successes. At Skyroot, we have been fortunate to have built a team that is as passionate as any of us are on this mission. What are the common challenges that startups in the space sector face, and what advice do you have for them? Space-tech endeavours are time- and capital-consuming. There will be setbacks and challenges that will test you. It is important to maintain a consistent long-term perspective when crafting strategies, rather than succumbing to the allure of short-term gains. That's my advice to entrepreneurs starting out as well: stay resilient and stay true to your trajectory. A rocket doesn't take a straight line to space... building a space startup is a similar journey. How can we cultivate the interest of children and youngsters in space? Science fiction movies and books have done wonders in sparking interest in space among young minds. Beyond that, we need to make space education more accessible and engaging. Schools can incorporate space-related topics into their curriculum, organise visits to research institutes and startups, and invite professionals from the space industry. The young minds should get an opportunity to see and work with technology. Can you tell us about the upcoming goals you have? Future launch vehicles, such as Vikram-II, are being developed. Our immediate goal remains the maiden flight of Vikram-I, slated for the second half of this year, and to learn from that to make further improvements to the launch vehicle. With Vikram-I, we want to offer satellite launches into a variety of orbits at a high frequency. If all goes well, you are going to see a lot of Vikram-I launches from India in the coming years.
