On 30th May 2024, AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited launched Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), powered by the world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.
- The rocket was launched from Agnikul Launch Pad 1 (ALP-1), India’s first & only private Launchpad within Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Key Points:
i.The indigenously designed and built Agnibaan SOrTeD is India’s second privately built rocket with world’s first 3D printed engine.
ii.It marks the second test flight of a private Indian launch vehicle, following the Vikram-S launch by Skyroot Aerospace in November 2022.
iii.The launch was coupled with the guidelines for the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations.
About Agnibaan SOrTeD:
i.Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s Agnilet engine.
ii.It is a 18-metre tall rocket with a diameter of 1.3 metres is designed for small satellites and can launch payloads of up to 300 kg into 700 km low earth orbit (LEO) with a lift of mass of 14,000 Kgs.
iii. It is the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine which uses a semi-cryogenic engine with a mix of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
iv.It has been praised for its ‘plug and play design’ which allows for accurate mission configuration.
Background:
i.In December 2020, Agnikul Cosmos, became the first company to sign an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative allowing the startup access to ISRO’s expertise and facilities to develop the Agnibaan rocket.
ii.The test flight was initially scheduled on March 22 2024 but was abandoned and another attempt on April 7 2024 but was postponed 129 seconds before lift-off due to technical glitches.
ii.This was the fifth attempt by Agnikul to launch the Agnibaan SOrTeD after the four such cancellations in the last three months.
Collaboration with ISRO:
i.ISRO provided technical support, access to facilities, and mentorship, crucial for a start-up in a field as complex as rocketry.
ii.This collaboration exemplifies the potential of public-private collaborations in advancing space technology.
About 3D Printing Technology:
i.It is an additive manufacturing which uses materials such as plastics and metals to convert products envisaged on computer-aided design to real three-dimensional items.
ii.It has been used for prototyping and has a lot of scope in making artificial limbs, stents, dental crowns, parts of automobiles and consumer goods, among others.
About AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited
It is an Indian aerospace manufacturer based in National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-founder – Srinath Ravichandran
Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Established – 2017
