Extra-ordinary success of India: World's first single piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine Launched by an Indian startup Agnikul Cosmos.

Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space start-up, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. Founded in 2017, Agnikul Cosmos operates India's first private launchpad and mission control center, located within the National Center for Combustion R&D (NCRD) at IIT Madras. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for India's burgeoning private space industry.

 

 The successful mission, named the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), was a sub-orbital test flight that lasted approximately 1 minute and 29 seconds. This launch showcased the Agnibaan rocket, a 6.2-meter-tall, single-stage launch vehicle equipped with an elliptical nose cone and advanced avionics architecture. The autopilot software for Agnibaan was developed in-house, highlighting Agnikul's capabilities in developing cutting-edge space technology.

 A notable feature of the Agnibaan rocket is its Agnilet engine. This engine is remarkable for being entirely 3D-printed in a single piece, a first in the world for semi-cryogenic engines. The Agnilet engine can generate approximately 3kN of thrust at sea level and powers the higher stage of the Agnibaan rocket. This innovative approach reduces the complexity and potential points of failure associated with multi-part engines.

 

The successful launch of the Agnibaan rocket did not come without challenges. The mission was initially postponed just 92 seconds before liftoff due to technical issues on April 7. After four failed attempts, the test flight was finally carried out without live-streaming and with fewer dignitaries present at the Sriharikota launch pad, located within ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

 

The data gathered from this mission will be instrumental in refining the Agnibaan launch vehicle, which is expected to be highly customizable. The vehicle is designed to carry payloads of up to 300kg to a 700km orbit, providing significant versatility for various space missions.

 

The successful launch was met with congratulations from notable figures in India's space sector. ISRO congratulated Agnikul Cosmos, terming the launch as a major milestone. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), expressed his elation at the achievement, highlighting the brilliance of India's young innovators. Lt Gen A K Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), also lauded the success, seeing it as a boost for India's private space industry and a glimpse into its promising future.

 Agnikul Cosmos' achievement aligns with India's broader ambitions in space exploration. The country aims to establish the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035 and send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. This successful launch not only demonstrates the capabilities of Agnikul Cosmos but also positions India as a formidable player in the global space industry. The development of indigenous space technology, as evidenced by the Agnibaan SOrTeD mission, is a testament to India's growing prowess in this field and its commitment to advancing space exploration.

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/agnikul-cosmos-launches-agnibaan-maiden-test-flight-isro-2545555-2024-05-30

 

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/pm-modi-lauds-agnikuls-momentous-rocket-launch-hails-indian-youth-power-2545697-2024-05-30