Skyroot testfires 3D-printed cryogenic engine

The launch used a single-stage solid fuel Vikram S rocket. The Vikram-1 rocket, the first in the series of rockets being developed by the company, will use three solid-fuel stages to take satellites to orbit. The cryogenic engine that was tested on Tuesday will be used as the upper stage of the updated version Vikram-2. A cryogenic upper stage instead of a solid fuel stage enhances the payload carrying capacity of a rocket.

Skyroot plans to carry out its first orbital flight by the year-end, with the updated Vikram II rocket scheduled to become launch-ready by next year, according to the company. This schedule will make the company the first private launcher from South Asia.

The endurance test of Dhawan-II demonstrated impressive performance results, as per the company. It was carried out at Solar Industries propulsion test facility in Nagpur using Skyroot’s indigenously developed mobile cryogenic engine test pad.

“We are proud to be at the forefront in developing cutting-edge cryogenic technologies in the private space sector of India, and pushing the limit with advanced technologies like 3D printing and green propellants,” Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, said.