Chennai's Agnikul Cosmos Marks Milestone With 3D-Printed Rocket Test

Published: Friday, May 31, 2024, 15:00 [IST]

Chennai-based space start-up Agnikul Cosmos has successfully completed a sub-orbital test-flight of its 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan. This achievement makes Agnikul Cosmos the second private entity in India to reach this milestone. The test-flight occurred at the Sriharikota launch pad within ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

ISRO and IN-SPACe Commend the Achievement

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated Agnikul Cosmos on their successful test-flight. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), also praised the achievement. The test-flight had fewer dignitaries present and was not live-streamed.

Technical Details of Agnibaan Rocket

Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 kg of payload into an orbit of about 700 km. It uses a semi-cryogenic engine with a mix of liquid and gas propellants, technology not yet demonstrated by ISRO. The rocket features carbon composite fins for passive control and uses sub-cooled Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

Agnilet: A World-First Innovation

The Agnilet engine, used in the rocket, is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. The entire mission is part of the Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) mission, showcasing the capabilities of the semi-cryogenic engine. The mission is expected to last just over two minutes, featuring various manoeuvres during the flight.

DriveSpark Thinks

The Agnibaan test flight is a promising sign for India's space ambitions. Continued private sector advancements alongside ISRO's expertise have the potential to make India a major player in the global space race.

Agnibaan's achievement demonstrates the growing capabilities of India's private space sector. This fosters competition and innovation, potentially leading to more affordable and accessible space launches.

The world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine (Agnilet) is a major technological leap. This technique could revolutionize rocket engine development, reducing production time and cost.