The Raman-I engine, intended for roll attitude control in their upcoming Vikram-I rocket, has successfully completed the flying certification trial, according to Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, a private Indian space company.

Skyroot became the first private business to use the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the engine performed a test firing there. This is the first test that a commercial enterprise has ever conducted at ISRO’s LPSC. The tests were successfully completed after a total of 280 engine pulses and 104 seconds of burn duration.

“Thrilled to announce the successful flight qualification testing of our Raman-I engine used for roll attitude control of the Vikram-I rocket,” the business wrote in a post on LinkedIn. This test is unique since it is the first test ever conducted by a private business at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO. Thank you very much to the IN-SPACe and LPSC teams for their great assistance throughout.

The roll attitude control made possible by the Raman-I engine will help the rocket effectively control its rotation and orientation. To keep the rocket stable during ascent, it is essential to maintain a stable roll attitude. Rotation that isn’t under control might cause instability, which makes it challenging to regulate the rocket’s course with precision.

Throughout the flight, the roll attitude control system is crucial in adjusting the aerodynamic properties of the rocket. The aerodynamic profile of the rocket can be optimized along the roll axis, lowering drag and raising overall effectiveness.

By becoming the first private business to launch the Vikram-S rocket from India, Skyroot accomplished a historic feat. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the indigenous Vikram-S was successfully launched, marking India’s substantial debut in the world of commercial space exploration.