Chennai based spacetech startup Agnikul cosmos has successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket from Sriharikota. SOrTeD stands for SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator which is a single-stage rocket fueled by a semi-cryogenic engine.
The vehicle was assembled at Agnikul's facilities at IIT Madras, said MoS - IT and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
“This is the culmination of 1000s of hours of reviews and hard work by the team. We are blessed to have had the opportunity and the full support of IN-SPACe and ISRO to design and build original space worthy hardware in India”, said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO, Agnikul Cosmos.
The launch vehicle 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' is using India's first semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a mix of liquid and gas for propellant, and the Agnibaan rocket is capable of carrying up to 300 kg payload to a 700 km high orbit.
“Sky is no more the limit for our startups. Very innovative, first time in the world, deep core technology demonstrated today by Agnikul – a great inspiration for all young students to boldly take the entrepreneurship route and become employers”, said Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
Agnikul team also received appreciation from ISRO that called the achievement a major milestone as this is the first ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing.
"A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing", said ISRO.
Similarly, Space regulator Indian Space Authorisation and Promotion Centre (IN-SPACe) chairman Pawan Goenka called the achievement a 'historic moment for India’s space sector' and said that the launch was powered by 'world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine'.
Agnikul Cosmos also operates India's first private launchpad in Sriharikota, which served as the launch site for this mission. The startup is now expected to foray into commercial missions in Q3 of FY 2024-2025 and conduct launches in Q4 of FY 2024-2025, as per space regulator IN-SPACe’s manifesto.
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