Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Agnikul Cosmos achieves a significant milestone in India's private space sector with the successful launch of its 3D printed semi-cryogenic Agnibaan rocket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends congratulations to the Agnikul team, lauding the achievement as a remarkable feat that will make the nation proud.
PM Modi emphasizes the launch's importance for India's space sector, highlighting the ingenuity of the country's youth and expressing best wishes for Agnikul's future endeavours.
The successful launch bolsters the government's efforts to promote private involvement in the space sector, which was opened up in 2020 to foster the development of rockets and satellites by private entities.
Agnikul is among the pioneering startups designing and constructing launch vehicles capable of deploying small satellites into low earth orbits.
Agnikul aims to conduct small satellite launch missions from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by the end of 2023, with the Agnibaan rocket capable of carrying payloads of up to 100 kg to low earth orbits.
The rocket features the world's first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, running on a spin-stabilized cryogenic and kerosene-based liquid propellant, offering enhanced efficiency compared to traditional rockets.
The successful test demonstrates Agnikul's ability to locally manufacture semi-cryogenic rocket engines using additive manufacturing technology, marking a significant advancement in indigenous space capabilities.
Agnikul's achievement signifies a crucial step forward in India's launch capabilities, aiming to make space access more affordable and frequent as the country's space sector welcomes greater private participation.