NB Explains | All about Skyroot Aerospace's stage-1 motor case for Vikram 1 SLV; Know why it is a milestone-

In a momentous development, Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian space technology startup on Tuesday achived a significant milestone as it announced the completion of work on its stage-1 motor case for the Vikram 1 space launch vehicle.

What is milestone?

This is the 11th composite rocket motor case that Skyroot has built. This remarkable achievement marks the successful construction of the largest hardware ever manufactured by Skyroot Aerospace.

The startup tweeted that it was “built meticulously in-house using our multi-axis high precision robotic machine, powered by our proprietary software.”

About the stage-1 motor case for the Vikram 1 space launch vehicle

The Stage-1 motor case measures an impressive 10 meters in length and 1.7 meters in diameter. The company's in-house manufacturing process, powered by their proprietary software and multi-axis high precision robotic machines, played a vital role in ensuring the meticulous construction of this crucial component.

Named 'Kalam 1200', the Stage-1 motor case is designed to deliver a peak thrust of 120 tons, signifying the immense power it possesses. The carbon-fiber winding and curing process, which involves the precise layering and bonding of carbon-fiber sheets, is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and strength of the motor case.

In a momentous development, we successfully completed the carbon-fiber winding and curing of our majestic 10 meters long, 1.7 meters diameter, Stage-1 motor case for Vikram-I. This is the largest hardware we ever manufactured, and was built meticulously in-house using our… pic.twitter.com/VJKNrXVaxa
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 4, 2023

Skyroot Aerospace's successful completion of this complex manufacturing process is a testament to their expertise in advanced composite materials and their commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology.

The use of carbon fiber offers several advantages in aerospace applications. Carbon-fiber composites possess high strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for constructing lightweight yet robust components. These materials also exhibit excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosive environments, and mechanical stress, ensuring the reliability and durability of the Stage-1 motor case even under challenging operational conditions.

Skyroot Aerospace's in-house manufacturing capabilities have played a vital role in achieving this remarkable feat. The company's multi-axis high precision robotic machines, combined with their proprietary software, provide the necessary precision and control required for the intricate winding and curing process. This advanced manufacturing setup enables Skyroot Aerospace to maintain strict quality control standards and produce high-quality components that meet the demanding requirements of space missions.