Chennai, India – Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a historic milestone by successfully launching its first sub-orbital test vehicle powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. This achievement comes after four previous launch attempts were called off.
Successful Launch
The Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) lifted off at 7:15 AM on Thursday, marking a significant moment for India’s space sector. This launch is notable not only because it is the second by a private startup in India but also because it is the first to use a private launchpad established by the company at Sriharikota, India’s only operational spaceport.
Milestone for India’s Space Sector
Dr. Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, which coordinates with the private space sector, expressed his elation on X (formerly Twitter): “Elated at the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD by @AgnikulCosmos! A historic moment for India’s space sector. Powered by world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement showcases the brilliance of our young innovators.”
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also congratulated Agnikul Cosmos on X, recognizing the launch as “a major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing”.
Innovation in Manufacturing
The Agnilet engine, developed by Agnikul Cosmos, is noteworthy for its use of 3D-printing technology. Unlike traditional rocket engines, which are assembled from multiple parts, the Agnilet engine is produced as a single piece. This innovation is expected to reduce launch costs and streamline vehicle assembly processes, making rocket launches more affordable and efficient.
Prof. Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, founding advisor of Agnikul Cosmos and head of the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development at IIT Madras, emphasized the significance of this development: “We are proud to present India’s first semi-cryo rocket engine, which is also the world’s most integrated single-shot 3D-printed piece. It signals the ability to rapidly assemble rockets that is unparalleled.”
Mission Details
The launch vehicle, designed to launch from a mobile launchpad called Dhanush, successfully demonstrated India’s first semi-cryogenic engine, using sub-cooled oxygen as fuel. The mission aimed to reach a height of about 8 kilometers before splashing down in the sea.
Future Prospects
Agnikul Cosmos aims to conduct its first orbital launch by the end of the financial year, which will enable them to carry satellites to orbit. The startup plans to offer regular launch services in the following calendar year. Their success mirrors the achievements of another Indian private space startup, Skyroot, which is also gearing up for its first orbital launch.
Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, highlighted the collective effort behind this success: “This is the culmination of thousands of hours of reviews and hard work by the team. We are blessed to have had the opportunity and the full support of IN-SPACe and ISRO to design and build original space-worthy hardware in India.”
Agnikul Cosmos’s groundbreaking achievement underscores the potential of India’s private space sector and sets the stage for more innovative and cost-effective space exploration missions in the future.
