In a historic feat of ingenuity and perseverance, Agnikul Cosmos, a pioneering Chennai-based startup incubated at IIT Madras, catapulted the world's first rocket propelled by a single-piece 3D printed engine into the skies above Sriharikota at 7:15 am on Thursday. This momentous achievement, achieved entirely through indigenous design and development, marks a watershed moment in India's burgeoning space industry.
Agnikul Cosmos successfully conducted a sub-orbital test flight of its 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan, from its launch pad at Sriharikota, becoming the second private company in India to accomplish this milestone after Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram S launch in November 2022. The Indian Space Research Organisation, overseeing the launch from within its Satish Dhawan Space Centre, hailed the event as a significant breakthrough, lauding Agnikul Cosmos for its technological prowess.
The sub-orbital trajectory of Agnibaan signifies a flight path that enters space but does not complete an orbit around Earth, reaching altitudes typically exceeding 100 kilometers before returning to the planet's surface.
At the heart of Agnibaan's propulsion lies the revolutionary Agnilet engine, the world's premier semi-cryogenic rocket engine utilizing sub-cooled liquid oxygen. Crafted locally as a single 3D-printed unit, this engine operates on a blend of sub-cooled Liquid Oxygen and Aviation Turbine Fuel, promising enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional cryogenic engines. The vehicle also features four carbon composite fins for passive control, illustrating its sophisticated design and engineering.
Girish Linganna, a noted space expert, elucidated that the Agnilet engine represents a paradigm shift in rocket propulsion technology, leveraging 3D printing to fabricate components as cohesive entities rather than assembling them from multiple parts. This method not only enhances structural integrity but also streamlines production processes, rendering the engine robust and reliable.
Unlike cryogenic engines that utilize both liquid oxygen and hydrogen, semi-cryogenic engines like Agnilet employ a simpler fuel configuration, making them more accessible and economical for initial launch stages. This distinction underscores their suitability for missions requiring moderate payloads and orbital altitudes.
Agnikul Cosmos has also pioneered the integration of advanced ethernet-based avionics systems and autonomous pilot software, developed entirely in-house in India. These innovations represent significant strides towards enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in aerospace applications.
The Department of Space and ISRO have commended Agnikul Cosmos for its landmark achievement with Agnibaan SOrTeD, highlighting the technological breakthroughs such as the 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine and sophisticated flight control systems. This success underscores India's capability to foster indigenous innovation and propel the country towards self-reliance in space technology.
Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, expressed gratitude for the extensive collaborative efforts that culminated in this milestone. He credited the unwavering support of IN-SPACe and ISRO in facilitating the design and development of cutting-edge aerospace hardware within India.
Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized the transformative role of young innovators and entrepreneurs in India's evolving space sector. He hailed Agnikul Cosmos' achievement as pivotal in positioning India as a global leader in space technology, affirming IN-SPACe's commitment to nurturing such pioneering endeavors.
With a team comprising over 200 engineers and guidance from 45 former ISRO scientists associated with NCCRD at IIT Madras, Agnikul Cosmos stands at the vanguard of democratizing access to space. Their dedication and expertise promise to reshape the future of aerospace exploration, marking a paradigmatic shift towards indigenous technological excellence in India's space narrative.
