Agnikul Cosmos successfully launches Agnibaan
Space start-up Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine from their own launch pad, ‘Dhanush’, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Thursday.
The sub-orbital test flight of the indigenously developed Agnibaan rocket, powered by a semi-cryogenic engine, marks a significant milestone for India’s private space sector, and is the second time an Indian entity other than the government space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has launched such missions.
The Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) mission, which took place at 7:15am, was the fifth attempt by Agnikul since March 22, with earlier attempts being called off due to technical difficulties.
Isro chairman S Somanath, who was at the launch, commended the success of the mission.
“The success involving many firsts including 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, flight control systems etc. demonstrate the prowess of indigenous design and innovation. It motivates Isro to support the Space startups and non-governmental entities for innovation and Atmanirbharata to create a vibrant space ecosystem in the country.”
The company began as an incubated start-up of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and is closely associated with the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) at the institute.