Agnikul Cosmos, a space startup launched a rocket called Agnibaan yesterday. It’s the second time in India that a private sector company has launched a rocket into space. According to the Agnikul, Agnibaan is their first rocket. They used only Indian rocket engines which used both liquid fuel and gas. It is a proud moment for every Indian right now.
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Agnikul Cosmos Launches Agnibaan SOrTeD: ISRO-backed Milestone in India’s Private Space Sector
Agnibaan’s First Flight: Overcoming Challenges
The Agnibaan rocket’s first flight faced significant challenges, being called off four times in the last two months due to technical issues. The most recent cancellation occurred on Tuesday, just five seconds before lift-off. However, despite these setbacks, the mission marked a significant milestone. ISRO announced on X, “A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing.”
Historic Achievement for Agnikul Cosmos
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar congratulated Agnikul Cosmos for their successful first launch from India’s only private launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota. He stated on X, “Congratulations @AgnikulCosmos @iitmadras Agnikul successfully completed its first launch from Agnikul’s own & India’s only private Launchpad within SDSC-SHAR. Besides being the world’s first flight with a single piece 3D printed rocket engine, this controlled flight is also India’s first flight with a semi cryogenic engine. The vehicle was completely designed in-house in India and assembled at Agnikul’s facilities within IIT Madras.”
Agnibaan: A Customisable Launch Vehicle
Agnibaan is a versatile, two-stage launch vehicle designed to carry up to 300 kg (661 lb) into orbit at about 700 kilometers (435 miles). Driven by LOX/Kerosene engines in all its stages, Agnibaan is configurable by the customer based on the mission, satellite, and launch port. Thursday’s suborbital flight aimed to test the new engine and 3D-printed parts, though the company has not yet disclosed the test’s duration or the rocket’s reached altitude.
India’s Growing Private Space Industry, about Agnikul
Pawan K Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, praised the launch as a “historic moment”. The Indian Space Association (ISpA) praised that the launch would “bolster global confidence” in India’s private space industry. This push towards privatisation and commercialisation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the country’s space sector. Agnikul, founded in 2017, operates India’s first private launchpad and mission control center, distinct from those run by ISRO. This launch follows India’s notable achievements in 2023, including the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission.