INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chennai-based startup Agnikul, known for its expertise in developing satellite launch vehicles, has announced plans to launch its first
flight by the end of this year
What sets this mission apart is that it will feature the world's first 3D-printed engine, according to an ET report
The launch will serve as a technology demonstration, mimicking Agnikul's orbital launch, which is scheduled to be the first commercial
launch in 2024, albeit on a smaller scale.CEO Srinath Ravichandran confirmed that the company is targeting a year-end launch and that one
final test is pending at the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
Once the necessary reviews with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are completed, the launch vehicle, already stationed at the
launch pad, will be ready for takeoff
Ravichandran emphasized the importance of getting it right the first time, given the complexity of the launch vehicle.If successful, Agnikul
will become India's second private company to develop a small satellite launch vehicle, following the footsteps of Skyroot Aerospace, which
launched the Vikram S in November 2022
Agnikul is a startup incubated on the IIT-Madras campus.Agnikul's rocket, named Agnibaan, differs from the Vikram S in a significant way
While the Vikram S is a sounding rocket launched from guide rails, Agnibaan will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory
while executing precise maneuvers during flight, explained Ravichandran.Sounding rockets are typically used for upper atmospheric research
On the other hand, Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is a single-stage launch vehicle that offers high customizability
It can carry payloads of up to 300 kg to orbits around 700 km high, allowing for plug-and-play configurations tailored to the specific
satellite being launched.Ravichandran highlighted the propellant system and resizing capabilities as key differentiators for Agnikul's
The company's launch vehicles can be customized to accommodate different payload and satellite sizes, rather than following a fixed capacity
This flexibility is made possible by the use of liquid propellants, which can be reused and offer enhanced safety compared to solid
propellants.Agnikul's Agnilet engine is a groundbreaking achievement in itself
It is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed engine, entirely designed and manufactured in India
The engine underwent successful test-firing in 2021, marking a significant milestone for 3D printing technology in the country, which is
primarily associated with medical applications such as hip implants.The integration process of the launch vehicle with Agnikul's private
launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota was completed on August 15.The company aims to cater to customers involved in the
development of small satellites intended for low Earth orbit
The payload primarily consists of communication and imaging satellites.Agnikul's 3D printing Rocket Factory boasts a state-of-the-art metal
3D printer from EOS, with dimensions of 400mm x 400mm x 400mm
Alongside other advanced machinery, this facility enables end-to-end manufacturing of rocket engines under one roof.
