• Agnikul Cosmos pioneers a 3D-printed Agnibaan rocket with an Agnilet engine, 6 kN thrust, and dual-fuel efficiency. Payload: 100 kg, orbits up to 700 km.
  • India's first private launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre marks Agnikul's audacious step toward suborbital and orbital missions.
  • Agnikul Cosmos, founded by the IIT Madras trio, envisions democratizing space exploration with an innovative, mobile rocket launch approach.

With the recent news and success of Chandrayaan 3, it is evident that India is making significant strides in the field of space exploration, which is commendable. However, amidst the congratulations, another noteworthy space event has recently occurred, which I am certain most of us have come across in both physical and digital news outlets.

Imagine a remarkable achievement: a 3D-printed rocket poised to push the boundaries of possibility on behalf of its nation. This technological marvel, named the Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD), is ready for liftoff under the banner of Agnikul Cosmos, situated within the launch pad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.

At its core, this single-stage launch vehicle embodies innovation, driven by the pioneering Agnilet engine. The engine itself is entirely crafted through 3D printing, a testament to the fusion of technology and aspiration. With a resounding thrust of 6 kN, the engine's power emanates from its dual consumption of kerosene and liquid oxygen, promising efficiency and unwavering reliability.  (Source: News18)

Characteristics of Agnibaan

The Agnibaan's capabilities extend skyward with a payload capacity of up to 100 kg, propelling them to orbits as high as 700 km. Impressively versatile, this rocket is not limited by orbit inclination, offering accessibility to both low and high-inclination pathways, a unique advantage.

The Agnibaan also retains mobility, tailored with dimensions compatible with terrestrial transit. With its imminent departure into the cosmos, the Agnibaan SOrTeD signifies not just a rocket launch, but a symbol of human ingenuity breaking free from Earth's constraints.  (Source: News18)

Last November marked a significant milestone for Agnikul Cosmos as it inaugurated India's first private launchpad and mission control center at the renowned Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

This strategic move lays the foundation for Agnikul's ambitions of embarking on suborbital and orbital missions in the near future. What sets Agnikul apart is its audacious approach: envisioning a launch where the rocket stands poised on the back of a truck, a departure from conventional fixed launchpads.

Taking flight on this visionary trajectory, the start-up commenced its integration process on Independence Day, a symbolic commencement in itself. Founded in 2017 by the astute trio of Shrinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and SR Chakravarthy from IIT Madras, Agnikul's mission is nothing short of revolutionary.

By unwaveringly striving to democratize the realm of space exploration, the company forges ahead with a dual goal - accessibility and cost-effectiveness. In an era where the cosmos beckons humanity, Agnikul Cosmos paves a path that beckons not just the elite, but every aspiring pioneer. (Source: MoneyControl)

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Edited by Shruti Thapa