Agnikul Cosmos, based in Chennai, successfully launched its rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD with a 3D-printed engine from Sriharikota on May 30. This historic first was overseen by ISRO and IN-SPACe.
Coimbatore: Agnikul Cosmos, a startup incubated by IIT-Madras, achieved a historic milestone by launching the first rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine. The launch, initially scheduled for April 7, had faced multiple postponements due to technical issues.
The event, described as a historic milestone in Indian space exploration, took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota at precisely 8:12 AM on May 30. Agnikul Cosmos’ Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket, part of the growing endeavors in India’s private space sector, was celebrated by key space organizations and the tech community alike.
The launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD — standing for Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator — marks a significant achievement, being the first to use a semi-cryogenic engine powered by 3D printing technology. Not only did this event underline Agnikul's innovative approach to rocket engineering, but it also showcased the capabilities arising from its partnership with ISRO under the banner of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), the Director General of the Indian Space Association, noted the launch as a continuation of India's legacy in space exploration which began in 1963. He highlighted this as a key advancement for India, positioning it strongly on the global space exploration map due to the integration of new technologies like 3D printing and the recent implementation of the Indian Space Policy 20230.
With this successful launch, Agnikul Cosmos not only sets a new benchmark in the space industry but also increases global confidence in India’s burgeoning space capabilities.
The event, described as a historic milestone in Indian space exploration, took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota at precisely 8:12 AM on May 30. Agnikul Cosmos’ Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket, part of the growing endeavors in India’s private space sector, was celebrated by key space organizations and the tech community alike.
The launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD — standing for Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator — marks a significant achievement, being the first to use a semi-cryogenic engine powered by 3D printing technology. Not only did this event underline Agnikul's innovative approach to rocket engineering, but it also showcased the capabilities arising from its partnership with ISRO under the banner of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), the Director General of the Indian Space Association, noted the launch as a continuation of India's legacy in space exploration which began in 1963. He highlighted this as a key advancement for India, positioning it strongly on the global space exploration map due to the integration of new technologies like 3D printing and the recent implementation of the Indian Space Policy 20230.
With this successful launch, Agnikul Cosmos not only sets a new benchmark in the space industry but also increases global confidence in India’s burgeoning space capabilities.