IIT Madras-incubated start-up, Agnikul, has launched the world’s first rocket with a single piece 3D printed engine from Sriharikota at 7:15 AM today (30th May 2024), a release stated. This remarkable feat has been achieved entirely through indigenous design and development.
‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’ Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator also has the unique distinction of launching from India’s first private launch pad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul. It is also India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch.
The launch was witnessed by various luminaries including dignitaries including Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe, and Shri A Raj Rajan, Director SHAR. The key purpose of this mission, which is also Agnikul’s first flight, is to serve as a test flight, to demonstrate the in-house and home grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’.
Congratulating Agnikul on the launch, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, said, “The Department of Space and ISRO congratulates Agnikul Cosmos on the successful launch of ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’. 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 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.”
Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO
AgniKul’s core team members including Prof. Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Founding Advisor, Agnikul Cosmos and Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Mr. Srinath Ravichandran, Co- Founder and CEO, Agnikul Cosmos, Mr. Moin SPM, Co-Founder and COO, Agnikul Cosmos, Ms. Saraniya Periaswamy, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD, and Ms. Umamaheswari. K, Project Director, Mission-01 were present.
Lauding the efforts of the Agnibaan Launch, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, said, “The successful launch of the Agnibaan SOrTeD is not just a milestone for Agnikul Cosmos but marks a significant moment for private players who are contributing to growing India’s space sector. Today it is the power of young innovators and entrepreneurs who are leading from the front, innovating with cutting-edge technology such as the world’s first 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, that is driving the transformation of India’s space sector. At IN-SPACe, we are committed to support these young pioneers as they help to propel India to a leadership position in the global space arena.”
The vision of Agnikul is to bring space within everyone’s reach, aiming to enable launches from Anywhere, Anytime, Affordably. Agnikul is committed to developing launch vehicles that are both affordable and customizable according to customer needs.
Highlighting the significance of this historic milestone, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Sky is no more the limit for our startups. Very innovative, first time in the world, deep core technology demonstrated today by Agnikul – a great inspiration for all young students to boldly take the entrepreneurship route and become employers.”
“Sky is no more the limit for our startups. Very innovative, first time in the world, deep core technology demonstrated today by Agnikul – a great inspiration for all young students to boldly take the entrepreneurship route and become employers.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
The Agnikul team consists of over 200 engineers and is associated with NCCRD at IIT Madras. Additionally, the team is guided by 45 former scientists from ISRO who bring invaluable expertise to the endeavour of democratising access to space.
Mr. 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.”
The flagship launch vehicle, ‘Agnibaan’, is designed to be compatible with the mobile launchpad called ‘Dhanush,’ allowing for launch flexibility regardless of location. Agnibaan can be configured to accommodate payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, ensuring versatility across a wide range of mission requirements.
For Agnikul, the journey looks bright. The startup is looking at flying an orbital mission towards the end of the financial year of 2025 and is working with customers on flights starting regularly from 2025.