Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Test-Fired Kalam 250, Stage 2 of Vikram-1

Current Context: Skyroot Aerospace has indeed successfully test-fired the Kalam-250, which is the second stage engine of its Vikram-1 space launch vehicle.

• Here are some key details about the test:
• The test was conducted at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on March 27, 2024.
• The test lasted 85 seconds and achieved a peak sea-level thrust of 186 kilonewtons (kN), expected to reach around 235kN in the vacuum of space.
• The Kalam-250 stage is constructed from high-strength carbon composite materials and runs on solid fuel alongside an advanced Ethylene-Propylene-Diene terpolymers (EPDM) thermal protection system.
• It features a carbon ablative flex nozzle and high-precision electro-mechanical actuators for thrust vector control, ensuring the rocket maintains its intended trajectory.
• With this successful test, Skyroot is hopeful of conducting the maiden launch of Vikram-I by the third quarter of 2024.

Question:

Q.1 Where was the test of Kalam-250 conducted?
a. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
b. Vikram Space Centre
c. Skyroot Aerospace Centre
d. Kalam Space Station