In a remarkable feat for the Indian space sector, spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos bounced back from a recent setback to execute a successful mission on Thursday. The company’s Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission, which faced a forced cancellation two days prior, marked several significant milestones.
Isro congratulated Agnikul for the successful launch from their private launchpad, Agnikul Launch Pad in Sriharikota named Dhanush. This launch marked the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine, a feat made possible through additive manufacturing.
The mission, powered by the semi-cryogenic engine Agnilet, serves as a precursor for the Agnibaan launch vehicle, designed for high customizability and capable of carrying a 300kg payload to a 700km orbit.
Thursday’s mission achieved three notable milestones: India’s first launch from a private launchpad, the country’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch, and the utilization of the first single-piece 3D-printed engine designed domestically to power a launch vehicle.
The Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission, also Agnikul’s inaugural flight, serves as a crucial test flight to demonstrate in-house technologies, gather flight data, and ensure optimal system functionality for future missions.
Unlike traditional sounding rockets, the SOrTeD mission lifted off vertically and followed a predetermined trajectory, executing precise maneuvers during flight.
Highlighting the significance of the mission, Lt Gen (retd) AK Bhatt, director general of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), termed it a historical milestone. He emphasized the boost it provides to India’s private space industry and expressed confidence in its growing capabilities.
The successful mission, coupled with recent regulatory developments in the Indian space sector, is expected to bolster global confidence in India’s private space industry and its potential for future endeavors.