Micro sculptures of legendary scientists to travel into space aboard Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket

Hyderabad, Jul 7 (PTI) Unique micro sculptures of legendary scientists C V Raman, Vikram Sarabhai and APJ Abdul Kalam are set to travel into space aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket. Crafted by prominent micro artist from Telangana, Ajay Kumar Mattewada, the artwork will fly as part of the payload on the nation's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. City-based Skyroot Aerospace on July 2 announced the launch window between July 12 and August 4 for the maiden test flight of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle. The miniature sculptures of the legendary scientists were meticulously sculpted inside the eye of a sewing needle. Each sculpture measures approximately 800 microns (0.8 millimetres) in height far too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye. It can only be viewed using a high-powered microscope, Mattewada said on Tuesday. The sculptures were crafted using space-compatible materials, including stainless steel, 24-karat gold, pure silver, ceramic powder, and carbon fibre particles. The project began in 2023 and was completed in February 2026. Creating the unique sculptures required nearly 140 hours, according to a release. After completing the sculptures inside the eye of a needle, Mattewada carefully mounted them inside a miniature rocket model made of 18-karat gold, specially designed for spaceflight. The artwork was developed in accordance with all technical specifications provided by Skyroot Aerospace's engineering team. It successfully passed rigorous engineering qualification tests, including vibration, heating, and other environmental tests. The micro artwork was then integrated into a specially designed protective payload housing and prepared to fly as part of the Vikram-1 rocket payload, he said. "I consider this the highest honour bestowed upon the micro sculpture art that I have pursued with unwavering dedication for the past 40 years. Knowing that my creations will become a part of the history of space exploration fills me with indescribable joy, pride, and satisfaction," Mattewada said. As an Indian, it is a matter of immense pride that the miniature sculptures of C V Raman, Vikram Sarabhai, and APJ Abdul Kalam will travel into space, he said. The micro artist expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, Naga Bharath Daka, Nikhil Madduri, and CVS Kiran for believing in his artistic vision and providing the rare opportunity. PTI SJR GDK SJR ROH