Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) / SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota facilitated the static test of the S2 motor of Kalam-250 Rocket designed and developed by an Indian Space start-up M/s Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad at SDSC’s propulsion testbed.
Noteworthy, ISRO is the national space agency of India.
It operates as the primary research and development arm of the Department of Space, which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India.
While, Satish Dhawan Space Centre – (SDSC SHAR), is the primary spaceport of the ISRO, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The Centre currently has two functioning launch pads used for launching Sounding rockets, Polar satellites and Geosynchronous satellites
Leveraging expertise and infrastructure, SDSC SHAR offered a comprehensive technical assessment and feasibility study, selecting the 6A-High Capacity test bed for the test execution.
VSSC/ISRO provided its in-house developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) for the test, essential for ensuring the safe operation of the rocket stage.
Upon receipt of the test article, rigorous evaluations were conducted, including Nondestructive Testing (NDT) to ensure motor integrity.
Meticulous integration activities followed the motor alignment, in-situ thrust calibration, and Flex Nozzle Control (FNC) Actuation trials on the test bed.
An extensive array of instrumentation systems, comprising approximately 196 measurements across various parameters such as thrust, pressure, strain, temperature, heat flux, acoustics, vibration, displacement, and pyrotechnics, were executed.
Notably, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) support included post-fire quenching systems, high-speed photography, and video capture, ensuring a comprehensive test environment.
On March 27, 2024, after rigorous technical reviews and clearances, the test was successfully conducted.
All testbed systems, including instrumentation, performed within normal parameters, affirming the safety and efficacy of the test.
In adherence to the provisions of the MOU and Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP), digital data, including high-speed camera images, were furnished to M/s. Skyroot Aerospace to enable upcoming orbital space launch.
This support underscores ISRO’s commitment to fostering technological advancements and facilitating innovative endeavors by non-governmental entities in the aerospace domain.
Source: https://www.isro.gov.in/ISRO_Facilitates_Indian_Startup_Rocket_Motor_Test.html
