Skyroot Aerospace – KALAM 1200 Static Test (2025)
Exam Level: UPSC / Science & Technology | Content Type: Notes + MCQs + Related News
🚀 1️⃣ Historic Static Test
On August 8, 2025 (09:05 hrs), Skyroot Aerospace successfully conducted the first static test of its KALAM 1200 solid rocket motor at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
🔥 KALAM 1200 is the first stage of Skyroot’s orbital launch vehicle Vikram-1.
- Monolithic composite solid propellant booster
- Length: ~11 metres
- Diameter: ~1.7 metres
- Propellant: ~30 tonnes solid fuel
- Longest monolithic motor manufactured at Sriharikota
🤝 2️⃣ Public–Private Collaboration
ISRO facilitated the design of the static test stand and provided infrastructure support under Space Policy 2023.
🌍 Marks a major milestone in India’s growing private space ecosystem.
🎯 3️⃣ Next Milestone
The successful static test brings Skyroot closer to the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, expected later in 2025.
📝 4️⃣ MCQs
Q1: Which company conducted the static test?
A) ISRO
B) Skyroot Aerospace
C) Agnikul Cosmos
D) NSIL
Answer: B
Explanation: Skyroot Aerospace conducted the test with ISRO support.
A) ISRO
B) Skyroot Aerospace
C) Agnikul Cosmos
D) NSIL
Answer: B
Explanation: Skyroot Aerospace conducted the test with ISRO support.
Q2: What is unique about KALAM 1200?
A) Liquid motor
B) Longest monolithic composite solid motor at Sriharikota
C) Smallest booster
D) Metallic-only construction
Answer: B
Explanation: It is the longest monolithic motor fabricated at Sriharikota.
A) Liquid motor
B) Longest monolithic composite solid motor at Sriharikota
C) Smallest booster
D) Metallic-only construction
Answer: B
Explanation: It is the longest monolithic motor fabricated at Sriharikota.
Q3: Test location?
A) VSSC
B) LPSC
C) SDSC SHAR
D) ISTRAC
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
A) VSSC
B) LPSC
C) SDSC SHAR
D) ISTRAC
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Q4: Policy significance?
A) ISRO privatization
B) Failure of private sector
C) Space Policy 2023 collaboration milestone
D) Shift to liquid engines
Answer: C
Explanation: Demonstrates public–private collaboration under Space Policy 2023.
A) ISRO privatization
B) Failure of private sector
C) Space Policy 2023 collaboration milestone
D) Shift to liquid engines
Answer: C
Explanation: Demonstrates public–private collaboration under Space Policy 2023.
Q5: Next major goal?
A) Human mission
B) Gaganyaan airdrop
C) Vikram-1 maiden launch
D) Space station
Answer: C
Explanation: Skyroot aims for the first orbital launch of Vikram-1.
A) Human mission
B) Gaganyaan airdrop
C) Vikram-1 maiden launch
D) Space station
Answer: C
Explanation: Skyroot aims for the first orbital launch of Vikram-1.
📰 5️⃣ Related News
- IN-SPACe approvals boosting India’s private launch ecosystem.
- Growing competition from private startups like Agnikul Cosmos.
- India’s Space Policy 2023 enabling infrastructure access to private players.
- Push towards small satellite launch market globally.
