New Delhi: The Avionics and Integration teams of the Hyderabad-based New Space startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully completed Nozzle Actuator-in-Loop
Simulation test. The nozzle actuators help steer the rocket, with the hardware being operated by the flight computer in a simulated flight environment, under conditions as close to the flight as can be created on the ground. The flight computer and the nozzle actuators worked in sync and remained stable throughout the test. The Vikram I rocket uses a steerable nozzle as against rudders and flaps used by aircraft, to adjust the direction of the flight. This flexible nozzle system was earlier tested in February 2025.
Skyroot Aerospace is developing the Vikram I launch vehicle for small satellites. With a recent test of the payload separation mechanism, completed all the ground tests necessary before the first orbital flight of the Vikram I rocket. The flight-ready Vikram I was revealed at the Infinity Campus, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2025. Skyroot Aerospace was the first to conduct a test flight of a private Indian launch vehicle, back in November 2022, which was a suborbital flight. Since then Skyroot Aerospace has been conducting a series of ground test leading up to the first orbital flight.
The first orbital flight is next
The Vikram I rocket will be launching from ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota. The flight was supposed to take place in the first quarter of 2026, but has been delayed. Skyroot Aerospace aims to rapidly ramp up its flight cadence, launching at least one orbital flight every quarter. The goal is to provide democratic, on-demand access to space, with a rapid turn around time. Essentially, Skyroot Aerospace is offering a rocket hailing service to orbit for satellites, with a rocket pooling service as well, that allows multiple passengers to share space on the same flight.
