Agnibaan – SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) was launched from India’s first private launchpad Dhanush established by Agnikul. It is also India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered test rocket launch.
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The key purpose of this mission, which is Agnikul’s first flight, is to gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the Agnibaan.
The launch was witnessed by S Somanath, chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, India’s private Space regulator, and A Rajarajan, director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
S Somanath, chairman, ISRO, said, “The successful launch of Agnibaan – SOrTeD involved many firsts including 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, and flight control systems that demonstrate the prowess of indigenous design and innovation.”
Agnibaan can be configured to accommodate payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg.
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Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, said, “The successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD marks a significant moment for private players who are contributing to India’s growing Space sector with cutting-edge technology such as the world’s first 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.”
Agnikul is developing launch vehicles that are both affordable and customisable according to customer needs.
Prof Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, founding advisor, Agnikul Cosmos said, “India’s first semi-cryo rocket engine, is also the world’s most integrated single shot 3D printed piece. It signals the ability to rapidly assemble rockets.”
The Agnikul team consists of over 200 engineers and is associated with National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) at IIT Madras. Additionally, the team is guided by 45 former scientists from ISRO.
Srinath Ravichandran, chief executive, Agnikul Cosmos, said, “This is the culmination of 1000s of hours of reviews and hard work by the team. We have designed and built original space worthy hardware in India.”
The startup is looking at flying an orbital mission towards the end of the financial year of 2025 and is working with customers on flights starting from 2025.
