Skyroot Successfully Test Fires Vikram-1 Rocket's Retro Motors, Advancing Towards Orbital Launch

Skyroot Aerospace, India's pioneering private space company, has taken a significant step toward its maiden orbital mission by successfully testing the retro motors of its Vikram-1 rocket. This static fire test, conducted on January 7, 2025, underscores Skyroot's commitment to achieving reliable and cost-effective access to space.

The Vikram-1 is a three-stage launch vehicle designed to carry small to medium-sized payloads into orbit. The tested retro motors play a pivotal role in stage separation, a critical maneuver in multi-stage rockets. During flight, these motors provide the necessary thrust to decelerate the spent stage, ensuring a clean and reliable separation from the active stage. This functionality not only improves mission reliability but also minimizes risks associated with in-flight anomalies.

Vikram-1: Specifications and Key Features

• Stages:
  Vikram-1 is a three-stage rocket with all stages powered by solid propulsion systems. This configuration is designed to optimize performance while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

• Payload Capacity:
  The rocket can deliver up to 290 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) and 480 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO).

• Length and Diameter:
  The vehicle stands approximately 20 meters tall and has a diameter of 1.5 meters, making it compact yet powerful for small satellite launches.

• Propulsion:
  Each stage employs advanced solid propellants engineered for high efficiency and reliability.

• Navigation and Control:
  Equipped with an indigenous navigation system, Vikram-1 uses a combination of onboard sensors and advanced algorithms to maintain trajectory accuracy.

• Retro Motors:
  The recently tested retro motors, specifically designed for precise stage deceleration, mark a technological milestone. These motors ensure stage separation happens seamlessly, reducing the likelihood of collisions or debris generation.

Skyroot’s Vision and Roadmap

The successful retro motor test aligns with Skyroot's vision of revolutionizing space access through innovation. Vikram-1 is part of the broader Vikram series, named in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program.

Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, expressed optimism about the achievement. "This test is a critical milestone as we gear up for Vikram-1’s maiden orbital launch. It reflects our team's dedication to engineering excellence and our mission to make space accessible and affordable for all," he stated.

The Vikram-1 rocket builds upon the success of Skyroot's Vikram-S, a suborbital rocket that demonstrated the company’s technological capabilities in November 2022. The upcoming orbital mission is expected to place Skyroot among the elite group of private companies globally capable of launching payloads into orbit.

Broader Implications for India's Space Sector

Skyroot's advancements highlight the growing strength of India's private space industry, which has been invigorated by government initiatives such as the formation of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center). These efforts aim to foster collaboration between private entities and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), creating a robust ecosystem for space innovation.

As Skyroot Aerospace prepares for Vikram-1's maiden flight, its progress serves as a testament to the transformative potential of India's burgeoning private space sector. The success of this mission could pave the way for more ambitious projects, including reusable rockets and interplanetary missions.

With the retro motor test behind them, Skyroot is one step closer to realizing its goal of affordable and reliable orbital launches, solidifying India’s position in the global space economy.