India achieved a significant milestone in the space sector on Thursday, May 30, 2024, with the inaugural launch from a private launchpad of the nation's second privately developed rocket, utilizing a blend of gas and liquid fuel. AgniKul Cosmos, a space startup based in Chennai, successfully launched a single-stage technology demonstrator rocket named Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Technological Demonstrator) at 7:15 am from Sriharikota.
Photo: X@AgnikulCosmos
Agnibaan SOrTeD's groundbreaking launch features the world’s pioneering single-piece 3D-printed engine, conceived and constructed domestically, marking a significant leap in India's space technology. This achievement comes on the heels of a recent setback for AgniKul Cosmos, as their initial rocket's test flight was canceled just moments before liftoff earlier in the week, marking the fourth such cancellation in three months. The launch holds historical significance as it takes place from India’s inaugural private launchpad, Dhanush, established by AgniKul. Notably, Agnibaan's success also highlights a milestone for Indian space exploration, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has yet to achieve a successful flight with a semi-cryogenic engine, employing a combination of liquid and gas as propellant.
AgniKul Cosmos Achieves Milestone with Inaugural Sub-Orbital Test Vehicle Launch
At 7:15 am on Thursday, AgniKul Cosmos celebrated with elation following the successful launch of its inaugural sub-orbital test vehicle, propelled by the world's pioneering single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. This achievement marks AgniKul as the second private entity in India to accomplish such a milestone, following in the footsteps of Skyroot Aerospace, which launched the Vikram S in November 2022. Soon after the launch, AgniKul Cosmos expressed gratitude for the achievement, acknowledging the significance of the moment.
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Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO, AgniKul Cosmos, said, “This is the culmination of 1000s of hours of reviews and hard work by the team. We are blessed to have had the opportunity and the full support of IN-SPACe and ISRO to design and build original space worthy hardware in India.”
Speaking on the 3D-printed engine, Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of AgniKul, had earlier told Indian Express: “3D printing is a sweet spot for launch vehicles. When you use older manufacturing techniques, there is a lot more complex hardware and manpower involved. With 3D printing, you can make hardware nearly as fast as you can make software. This is why we were able to make hundreds of iterations of the design so that we could finally reach a stage where we can 3D print an entire engine in one shot.”
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also congratulated AgniKul in a post, saying it is “a major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing”.
The successful launch also received a shout-out from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “A remarkable feat which will make the entire nation proud! The successful launch of Agnibaan rocket powered by world’s first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine is a momentous occasion for India’s space sector and a testament to the remarkable ingenuity of our Yuva Shakti. My best wishes to the @AgnikulCosmos team for their future endeavours,” he posted on X.
Commenting on the same, space expert Girish Linganna told The Week: “Semi-cryogenic engines are often used in the initial stages of a rocket for their cost-effectiveness and simpler handling, whereas cryogenic engines are used in the later stages for their higher efficiency and greater power needed to place satellites into higher orbits or for deep space missions. Semi-cryogenic engine technology has not yet been demonstrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in any of its rockets.”
“Single piece using 3D printing means that the entire part was made as one continuous piece using a 3D printer, rather than being assembled from multiple parts. 3D printing is a process where a machine creates objects layer by layer from a digital model, using materials like plastic or metal. This method can make the part stronger and more reliable,” Linganna added.
Dr Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe responsible for coordinating with the private space sector praised Agnikul for their achievements, saying: “Elated at the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD by Agnikul Cosmos! A historic moment for India’s space sector. Powered by world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement showcases brilliance of our young innovators.”
This was also echoed by Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retired), Director General, Indian Space Association (IspA). In a report by The Hindu, he was quoted as saying: “What Agnikul has achieved today, is nothing short of a historical milestone, since India launched its maiden rocket in 1963 from Thumba launch station. Agnibaan SOrTeD has got many firsts in its strides with being India’s first launch from a private launchpad, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch and the world’s first single-piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.”
Innovative Use of Inconel Material
Agnikul's groundbreaking project utilized the Inconel material to construct the 3D-printed rocket, leveraging the alloy's renowned oxidation-corrosion resistance and suitability for space travel. This strategic choice underscores Agnikul's commitment to innovative engineering and underscores the significance of their achievement in advancing space technology.
About Agnibaan and Agnilet
The Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) rocket, weighing 575 kg and measuring 6.2 meters in length, marks a significant leap in India's space technology landscape. Described by Agnikul as a customizable, two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads up to 300 kg to orbits around 700 km in altitude, Agnibaan draws comparisons to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, renowned for its impressive payload capacity of 63,500 kg to low Earth orbit.
Central to Agnibaan's allure is its patented engine, the Agnilet—a revolutionary 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine. Operated on sub-cooled oxygen as its fuel source, the Agnilet engine stands as a testament to Agnikul's innovation and engineering prowess. Designed, tested, and manufactured entirely in India, the Agnilet engine represents a pioneering feat in the country's space exploration journey, with successful test-firing conducted in 2021, affirming its readiness for the groundbreaking mission ahead.
Agnikul’s Journey and Achievements
Founded in 2017 by Moin SPM and Srinath Ravichandran, Agnikul Cosmos emerged as a pioneering force in India's space industry. Incubated at IIT Madras, the company specializes in constructing small launch vehicles for commercial space missions, offering end-to-end services encompassing design, manufacturing, testing, and launching of orbital-class rockets tailored for micro and nanosatellites. Notably, Agnikul achieved a significant feat by becoming the first company in India to establish a factory capable of manufacturing 3D-printed rockets, showcasing its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Further solidifying its position as a trailblazer, Agnikul designed and developed India’s inaugural privately built rocket launchpad, 'Dhanush,' situated at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center-SHAR (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Constructed with collaborative support from ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), this launchpad enables Agnikul to conduct rocket launches from the same spaceport as ISRO, showcasing a seamless integration of public-private partnerships in India's space ecosystem. Agnikul Cosmos' achievement in launching the world’s first 3D-printed space rocket engine marks a significant milestone in rocket technology, underscoring India's prowess and prominence in the global space industry.
Agnibaan’s First Flight: Overcoming Challenges
The inaugural flight of the Agnibaan rocket encountered formidable hurdles, with four consecutive cancellations in the past two months attributed to technical challenges. The most recent setback unfolded on Tuesday, mere seconds before liftoff, adding to the string of aborted attempts. Despite these setbacks, the mission stands as a testament to resilience and determination, representing a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavors.
ISRO announced on X, “A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing.”
India’s Growing Private Space Industry, about Agnikul
The launch garnered praise from key figures in India's space sector, with Pawan K Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, hailing it as a momentous occasion. The Indian Space Association (ISpA) also lauded the event, noting its contribution to bolstering global trust in India’s private space industry. This significant step towards privatization and commercialization aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the country’s space sector, reflecting a broader strategic shift. Established in 2017, Agnikul operates India’s premier private launchpad and mission control center, distinct from those managed by ISRO, marking a milestone in India's space exploration landscape. The launch follows India’s notable achievements in 2023, including the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission, showcasing the nation's prowess and ambition in space exploration.
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