In a major milestone for India's private space sector, Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its 3D printed semi-cryogenic Agnibaan rocket, drawing praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The launch of the Agnibaan rocket, powered by the world's first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, marked a significant achievement for the Chennai-based startup and the country's space ambitions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Agnikul team, calling it "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 (youth power)," the Prime Minister said.
He extended his "best wishes to the @AgnikulCosmos team for their future endeavours."
The launch is a major boost for the government's efforts to promote private participation in the space sector, which was opened up in 2020 to enable private players to build rockets and satellites.
Agnikul is among the handful of startups that have designed and built launch vehicles capable of putting small satellites into low earth orbits.
The company aims to launch Agnibaan rockets on a small satellite launch mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's east coast by the end of 2023.
Founded in 2017 by engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Agnikul has designed the Agnibaan rocket to carry up to 100 kg payload to low earth orbits.
The semi-cryogenic engine used in the rocket runs on a spin-stabilized cryogenic and kerosene-based liquid propellant, making it unique and more efficient compared to conventional solid and liquid fuel-based rockets.
The successful test has demonstrated Agnikul's capability to locally manufacture a semi-cryogenic rocket engine using additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology.
As India's space sector opens up to private players, Agnikul's achievement marks an important step in enhancing the country's launch capabilities and making access to space more affordable and frequent.
