Agnikul Cosmos Introduces Agnibaan SOrTeD: This pioneering development also signifies the debut of India’s first semi-cryogenic engine, fully conceived and manufactured domestically.
Agnikul Cosmos Launch
Initiation of Agnibaan SOrTeD: The event occurred at Sriharikota, utilizing India’s inaugural privately developed launchpad, ‘Dhanush’. (Photo source: Agnikul Cosmos)
Agnibaan SOrTeD with 3D-Printed Rocket Engine: On May 30, 2024, the IIT Madras-incubated startup, Agnikul Cosmos, accomplished the successful launch of the first rocket worldwide equipped with a completely 3D printed engine, dubbed ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’. This event also marked the introduction of India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-cryogenic engine. The event was held at the ‘Dhanush’ launchpad at Sriharikota.
Technological Innovation
The application of 3D printing technology by Agnikul Cosmos marks a significant leap in aerospace technology. Srinath Ravichandran, Co-Founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, stated, “Our use of 3D printing allowed us to construct our engines as one unified piece of hardware, eliminating the need for thousands of joints and welds. This reduction translated into lower costs and faster production times for our rockets.” This method not only streamlines production but also increases the rockets’ reliability and efficiency.
Demonstrating Capabilities
“This mission verifies nearly all the complex technology required for our orbital launches aimed at serving our customers. We can now confidently assure our clients of the safety and readiness of our early flights to carry their payloads,” Ravichandran conveyed in an exclusive interview with Financial Express Online.
The successful deployment of ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’ underscores Agnikul Cosmos’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and represents a crucial milestone in its path towards commercial spaceflight.
Addressing Challenges
Developing a launch vehicle entails complex challenges, and Agnikul Cosmos encountered many along its journey. “Creating a launch vehicle as a product differs significantly from establishing a seamless launch operations process, which required considerable time to develop and refine,” Ravichandran remarked. The launch involved collaboration among over 15 teams from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), culminating in a meticulously coordinated operation perfected through numerous trials and rehearsals.
Support from IN-SPACe and ISRO
The enterprise has received substantial backing from IN-SPACe and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), crucial in the successful design and creation of the pioneering space-worthy hardware in India. This partnership underscores the role of governmental support in promoting innovation and development in the private space sector.
About Agnikul Cosmos
Agnikul Cosmos aspires to democratize access to space, envisioning launches that are flexible, affordable, and tailored to client needs.
About Agnibaan
The flagship launch vehicle, ‘Agnibaan’, is designed for compatibility with the mobile launchpad ‘Dhanush’, enhancing launch flexibility. It can handle payloads from 30 kg to 300 kg, catering to a diverse array of mission specifications.
Future Outlook
Looking forward, Agnikul Cosmos is gearing up for an orbital mission by the end of FY 2025. The startup is actively coordinating with customers for regular launches beginning in 2025. With its pioneering achievements and ambitious future plans, Agnikul Cosmos is on track to become a significant player in the international space industry.
In conclusion, Agnikul Cosmos’s successful deployment of ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’ marks a significant advance in space technology. By leveraging innovative 3D printing technology and garnering robust support from IN-SPACe and ISRO, the startup has showcased its capability to develop cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective launch solutions. With its goal to make space accessible to all, Agnikul Cosmos is set to transform the
space industry, bringing the cosmos within everyone’s reach.