New Delhi (Agency): Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos is making preparations for the maiden sub-orbital test flight of its 3D-printed rocket, known as Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD). The launch will take place from the company’s launch pad at Sriharikota.
Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine. This engine is special because it is entirely 3D-printed as a single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine. On Tuesday, the rocket, powered by the Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine, was prepared for integration with Agnikul’s launch pad. The team carried out mechanical and electrical interface checks to ensure everything is in place for the upcoming launch.
The company plans to complete its first flight in the coming weeks, according to a statement. The rocket was unveiled on August 15 at Agnikul’s Mission Control Center (AMCC) at Sriharikota, with officials from the Satish Dhawan Space Center and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center in attendance.
What makes the Agnibaan SOrTeD different from traditional sounding rockets is its vertical lift-off. Instead of launching from guide rails, it will lift off vertically, following a predetermined trajectory. During the flight, it will perform a carefully planned set of maneuvers.
Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Agnikul Cosmos, explained the importance of this suborbital mission, stating, “This suborbital mission serves as a validation of the success of Agnikul’s proprietary autopilot, navigation, and guidance algorithms. It also serves as a crucial trial for gauging the launchpad’s preparedness for more ambitious undertakings.”
Agnikul made history last November by inaugurating India’s first private launch pad and mission control center at the Satish Dhawan Space Center. This will be the base for the company’s suborbital and orbital missions in the coming years.
Moin SPM, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Agnikul, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, saying, “This vehicle standing on the launch pad is a testament of everyone’s hard work in the team.”
Agnikul Cosmos was established in 2017 with the primary objective of democratizing space exploration by making it more accessible and cost-effective. The founders, Ravichandran, Moin, and Prof S R Chakravarthy from IIT Madras, are working towards this goal with innovative technology like 3D printing.
The upcoming launch comes after Skyroot Aerospace became the first private company to carry out a sub-orbital flight in India last November. Their Vikram-S rocket reached a peak altitude of 89.5 kilometers, launched from ISRO’s pad at Sriharikota.
Agnikul’s maiden flight of Agnibaan will mark another significant step in India’s growing private space industry. The success of this mission could pave the way for more advanced and ambitious space projects, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a leading player in space exploration.
