On August 8, 2025, at 09:05 hrs, Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space company, successfully conducted the first static test of its KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor—the first stage of its orbital launch vehicle, Vikram-1—at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota ISROwww.ndtv.com.

• The KALAM 1200 motor is a monolithic composite solid propellant booster measuring approximately 11 metres in length and 1.7 metres in diameter, carrying around 30 tonnes of solid propellant. It is reported to be the longest monolithic motor ever manufactured at Sriharikota’s Solid Propellant Plant ISROThe Economic Times.

• ISRO, part of India’s Department of Space, facilitated the design of the static test stand used for the trial and described the successful test as a “major milestone”—a testament to the spirit of collaboration between public and private sectors inspired by the Space Policy 2023 ISROwww.ndtv.comThe Economic TimesNavbharat Times.

• Media reports highlight that this milestone moves Skyroot one step closer to the maiden launch of Vikram-1, scheduled later in 2025, marking a significant achievement for India’s emerging private space sector The Economic TimesThe Times of India.

Question 1:
Which company conducted the static test of the KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor on August 8, 2025?
A) ISRO
B) Skyroot Aerospace
C) Agnikul Cosmos
D) NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)
Answer: B
Explanation: The static test was performed by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private company, under ISRO's infrastructure and technical support ISROwww.ndtv.com.

Question 2:
What is the significance of the KALAM 1200 motor in terms of its construction?
A) It is the first liquid-fuel motor tested by Skyroot.
B) It is a monolithic composite solid motor, the longest of its kind made at Sriharikota.
C) It is the smallest solid booster ever tested by ISRO.
D) It is made entirely of metallic alloy parts.
Answer: B
Explanation: The KALAM 1200 is a monolithic composite solid motor—11 m long, 1.7 m in diameter, carrying 30 t of propellant—and is noted as the longest monolithic motor fabricated at the Solid Propellant Plant in Sriharikota ISROThe Economic Times.

Question 3:
Where was the static test of KALAM 1200 carried out?
A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
B) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Bangalore
C) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota
D) ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network, Bangalore
Answer: C
Explanation: The test took place at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota ISROThe Economic Times.

Question 4:
What does this successful test represent in the context of Indian space policy?
A) A step toward privatizing all ISRO operations.
B) A failure of private enterprise in space technology.
C) A milestone in private sector collaboration under the Space Policy 2023.
D) A transition from solid to liquid engines in the private sector.
Answer: C
Explanation: The test underscores the applicability of India’s Space Policy 2023, which encourages private entities like Skyroot to utilize ISRO’s technical infrastructure, marking a public–private collaboration milestone ISRONavbharat TimesThe Economic Times.

Question 5:
What is the next major goal for Skyroot Aerospace after the static test of KALAM 1200?
A) Launching a human-crewed mission.
B) Achieving the airdrop test for Gaganyaan.
C) Conducting the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1.
D) Building a space station in low Earth orbit.
Answer: C
Explanation: The successful test brings Skyroot closer to the maiden orbital flight of Vikram-1, planned later in 2025, demonstrating readiness of the first stage The Economic TimesThe Times of India.