World¡¯s First Rocket With 3D-Printed Engine Launched By Indian Space Startup: Know All About Agnibaan
Agnibaan SOrTeD is the first rocket to be launched from a private launch pad, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the Indian space sector. Additionally, it is the country¡¯s first semi-cryogenic engine flight and the world¡¯s first single-piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.
The Chennai-based start-up Agnikul Cosmos, incubated by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), has successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket. This event marks a significant milestone as it is the country's second privately-built rocket, achieving many firsts in the space industry.
Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) successfully launched at 7:15 am on Thursday, marking a mission of several significant firsts. While this is the second launch conducted by a private startup in India, it is notably the first to utilize a private launchpad established by the company at Sriharikota, the nation's only operational spaceport.
Congratulations @AgnikulCosmos for the successful launch of the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their launch pad.
¡ª ISRO (@isro) May 30, 2024
A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing.@INSPACeIND
Agnibaan's innovative design & technology
Agnibaan SOrTeD is the first rocket to be launched from a private launch pad, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the Indian space sector. Additionally, it is the country¡¯s first semi-cryogenic engine flight and the world¡¯s first single-piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously. The rocket stands approximately 20 meters tall and is capable of carrying a payload of up to 300 kg to low Earth orbits (LEO) around 700 km above Earth.
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The rocket's design is highly adaptable, featuring a plug-and-play configuration that allows for easy customization based on the mission's needs. This flexibility sets Agnibaan apart from other rockets, making it a versatile option for various satellite requirements. The Agnilet engine, Agnikul's patented technology, powers the rocket. It is made from Inconel, an alloy known for its oxidation-corrosion resistance and suitability for space travel. The Agnilet engine, the world's first single-piece 3D-printed engine, was designed, tested, and manufactured entirely in India.
Pioneering in private space sector
Agnikul Cosmos was founded in 2017 and has since achieved several milestones with Agnibaan. The successful test-firing of the Agnilet engine in 2021 demonstrated its reliability and efficiency. The use of 3D-printing technology not only reduces manufacturing costs but also shortens the time required to assemble the rocket, providing a significant edge in the competitive space industry.
The launch took place from Dhanush, India¡¯s first privately built rocket launchpad, located at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Center-SHAR (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This collaboration between Agnikul, ISRO, and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) showcases the potential for private-public partnerships in advancing India¡¯s space capabilities.
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Agnikul Cosmos plans to launch an orbital mission towards the end of the 2025 fiscal year and aims for regular flights starting from the 2025 calendar year. This achievement positions Agnikul as a pioneer in India's private space sector and sets a precedent for future private space missions. The success of Agnibaan SOrTeD is expected to encourage many private players to enter the space arena, further propelling India¡¯s space industry forward.
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