Successful sub-orbital launch of Agnibaan rocket by Agnikul: A milestone in space technology

Chennai-based space start-up Agnikul Cosmos achieved a significant milestone on Thursday as it successfully conducted a sub-orbital test-flight of its 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan, from its own launch pad at Sriharikota. This accomplishment makes Agnikul Cosmos the second private entity in India to achieve this feat.

After facing four unsuccessful attempts, the test-flight on Thursday was carried out without live-streaming and with fewer dignitaries present at the Sriharikota launch pad within ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated Agnikul Cosmos on the successful launch, highlighting the significance of the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing.

Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), expressed his elation at the achievement, emphasizing the historic moment for India’s space sector.

Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of up to 300 kg into an orbit of about 700 km. The rocket utilizes a semi-cryogenic engine with a mix of liquid and gas propellants, a technology that has not been demonstrated by ISRO in any of its rockets.

The successful test-flight of Agnibaan marks a significant advancement in India’s private space industry and showcases the potential for future endeavors in space exploration. With innovative technologies and dedicated efforts, Agnikul Cosmos has set a new benchmark in the country’s space sector.