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Agnibaan Rocket
Context:
Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its first sub-orbital test vehicle Agnibaan SOrTeD, powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
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- Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) launched its second private startup mission in India.
- The first use of a private launchpad at Sriharikota’s operational spaceport.
Key Highlights
- Innovative Engine Technology: The vehicle is powered by the Agnilet engine that uses sub-cooled oxygen as fuel.
- Additive Manufacturing Advantages: The goal is to reduce assembly time and launch costs, thereby offering affordable launch services for small satellites.
- Future Plans: Agnikul Cosmos aims to conduct its first orbital launch by the end of the financial year 2025, positioning itself as a key player in the private space industry.
- Team Effort and Support: Co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos expressing gratitude for IN-SPACe and ISRO support, announced the successful launch of India’s first space-worthy hardware.
About Agnibaan Rocket
- Agnikul Cosmos developed the rocket which is a customisable two-stage launch vehicle.
- Payload Capacity: It can carry payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, making it versatile for a wide range of mission requirements.
- Orbit: It is capable of placing a 100 kg satellite into a 700 km orbit, which is suitable for small satellites and CubeSats.
- First Semi-Cryogenic Engine: It uses a mix of liquid and gas for propellant.
- This technology is expected to reduce launch costs and improve the overall reliability and performance of the launch vehicles.
- Cryogenic engines, such as those utilised in the upper stages of India’s heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3, utilise gases that have been liquified at extremely low temperatures as their fuel source.
- This technology is expected to reduce launch costs and improve the overall reliability and performance of the launch vehicles.
- Innovative Features:
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- The vehicle features an ethernet-based avionics architecture.
- Fully In-House Developed Autopilot Software: It uses autopilot software developed entirely in-house, a first in India.
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- Launch Details:
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- Date and Time: The successful launch took place on May 30, 2024, at 7:15 am.
- Launch Pad: Launched from their own launch pad named “Dhanush” at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
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- Significance:
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- Agnikul’s achievement demonstrates excellence of indigenous design and innovation.
- The mission highlights India’s commitment to Atmanirbharata (self-reliance) in space technology.
- ISRO Chairman commended the success and emphasised support for space startups.
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Agnikul Cosmos
- Established in 2017.
- Headquarters: National Centre for Combustion R&D, IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is a pioneering Indian space startup based in Chennai, India.
- Specialises in advanced rocket engine design and manufacturing.
- It aims to make space more accessible and affordable by building launch vehicles capable of taking micro and nanosatellites to Low Earth Orbit on demand.
- Leading the private space sector in India
- Incubated at IIT Madras for strong R&D support.
- Supports communication, navigation, and Earth observation needs.