Indian space firm Agnikul launched its first sub-orbital test spacecraft powered by its unique 3D-printed rocket engines on Thursday. The event comes after two years of preparation and multiple technical setbacks, according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) launched Thursday morning from the startup's mobile launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota island. Data from this test flight will help build Agnikul's commercial orbital launch vehicle, Agnibaan, per TechCrunch.
Minor technical issues delayed the expected launch of Agnikul in March. In April and last week, last-minute technical concerns canceled further launch attempts.
On Tuesday, Agnikul Cosmos again canceled its maiden rocket test flight seconds before takeoff. Less than six minutes before liftoff, technical issues delayed the launch, prompting a rescheduling for 9:25 a.m. Five seconds before liftoff, it temporarily halted it to assess the igniter function and ultimately canceled it, as per a report from Business World.
A 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine powered the 6.2-meter carbon composite vehicle, which took off and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal.
On social media platform X, ISRO congratulated Agnikul for the successful launch.
Congratulations @AgnikulCosmos for the successful launch of the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their launch pad.
— 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
What to Know About Agnikul?
Agnikul's 3D-printed rocket engine generates 6.2 kN of thrust and is a single-piece component without welding. Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul, said it takes 72 to 75 hours to 3D print one engine in raw form and a week to make two finished engines.
Ravichandran stated that the single-piece component with no human interaction makes us unique. He stated that they print the main engine, igniter, and fuel system together and connect them to the plumbing.
He said that Agnikul's entirely 3D-printed engines are more flexible and configurable than Relativity Space and Rocket Lab's rocket components. This technique tailors small satellite launches without ride-sharing. Agnikul's engine uses Inconel, a robust, high-temperature-resistant material. Cooling channels for heat dispersion were the biggest problem. Agnikul chose liquid propulsion over explosive solid-fuel systems for safety.
Watch the video of the Agnikul Cosmos launch below:
Since 2017, Agnikul began experimenting with 3D-printed components and now incorporates them into engine design. Several times, the startup has refined gasoline injectors and cooling chambers.
After raising $26.7 million last year, Agnikul is working with veteran ISRO scientists and IIT Madras experts. Some of the startup's 40 potential clients have signed letters of intent. Agnibaan's orbital launch is likely to take six months longer.
A Positive Sign for Private Space Companies
Indian space industry successes include a lunar south pole landing, and regulatory changes to enhance commercial involvement have garnered worldwide attention. Indian firms such as Agnikul can now expand their space capabilities and earn money worldwide.
Notably, Agnikul Cosmos created its superior avionics architecture and autopilot software. It hopes to gain market share in the multi-billion-dollar small satellite launch industry with a successful launch. SOrTeD data will guide the construction of the highly configurable Agnibaan launch vehicle, which can deliver a 300 kg payload to a 700 km orbit, per India Today.
Agnikul Cosmos runs India's first private launchpad and mission control center at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. In 2022, Skyroot launched India's first private rocket from ISRO.
