Recently, ISRO announced a significant milestone for the Indian private space industry. The Chennai based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos has launched its first rocket Agnibaan. Its Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) mission success comes after four failed attempts. However, as the saying goes, perseverance pays off, in its fifth attempt Agnikul’s Agnibaan has soared high into the sky! With this, Agnikul Cosmos has successfully launched world’s first 3D printed engine and India’s first flight with cryogenic engine.
Agnibaan’s Successful Take Off…
On its successful launch, PM Modi took to X and posted, “A remarkable feat which will make the entire nation proud! The successful launch of Agnibaan rocket powered by world’s first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine is a momentous occasion for India’s space sector and a testament to the remarkable ingenuity of our Yuva Shakti. My best wishes to the @AgnikulCosmos team for their future endeavours.”
The ISRO also congratulated Agnikul Cosmos by posting, “A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing.”
About Agnikul’s Agnibaan…
Agnibaan is a Sanskrit word which translates to mean “An Arrow of Fire.” Agnikul Cosmos website states that its Agnibaan can carry a max payload of 100-700 Kg in LEO. It is about 18 meters in height with 1.3 meter in diameter and lift off 14000 kg of mass.
What makes Agnikul’s Agnibaan and SOrTeD mission special is its Agnilet engine. Its single stage rocket- Agnibaan is powered by Agnilet semi cryogenic engine. This Agnilet engine is entirely 3D printed and is capable of around 6kN thrust at sea level. According to the start up the engine uses cooled oxygen as its fuel. This is a remarkable thing for ISRO hasn’t flown semi cryogenic engine.
Another unique thing about Agnibaan SOrTeD is that unlike traditional rockets, it lifted off vertically. In addition to this, Agnikul Cosmos launched the vehicle from India’s first private launchpad, Dhanush, in Sriharikota, marking another significant milestone. Agnikul Cosmos also developed Dhanush.
The IN-SPACe chairman, Dr. Pawan Goenka, praised Agnikul’s accomplishments by saying, “Elated at the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD by Agnikul Cosmos! A historic moment for India’s space sector. Powered by world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement showcases brilliance of our young innovators.”
Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retired), Director General, Indian Space Association (IspA) also reiterated the same in a report by The Hindu. He was quoted as saying, “What Agnikul has achieved today, is nothing short of a historical milestone, since India launched its maiden rocket in 1963 from Thumba launch station. Agnibaan SOrTeD has got many firsts in its strides with being India’s first launch from a private launchpad, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch and the world’s first single-piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.”