A single-piece, three-dimensional (3D) printed engine powered the first space rocket ever launched by Agnikul Cosmos, a firm based in Chennai. On its fifth attempt, Agnikul launched its revolutionary rocket, Agnibaan, successfully, after four failed tries. This achievement shows India’s capacity for innovative aerospace technology and represents an important turning point in the nation’s space exploration activities.
The Agnibaan Rocket and Agnilet Engine
The Agnibaan rocket is a 20-meter-tall, two-stage, completely customized launch vehicle. 300 kg of payloads may be carried to low Earth orbits (LEOs), which are located about 700 km above the planet. Because of its plug-and-play nature, the rocket can be modified to suit the specific satellite payload.
The world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine is the ground-breaking Agnilet engine from Agnikul. The Agnilet engine was successfully test-fired in 2021 after being fully designed, tested, and produced in India. Liquid propellants, such as kerosene or oxygen, are used by the rocket to power its launch.
Materials and Innovation
Agnikul built the 3D-printed engine using Inconel, an alloy resistant to oxidation and corrosion. The material’s resilience to harsh climatic conditions and durability make it a great material for space flight.
Achievements and Milestones
Agnikul Cosmos, established in 2017 by Moin SPM and Srinath Ravichandran, has made significant progress in the aerospace sector. The company, which was founded at IIT Madras, focuses on creating compact launch vehicles for use in commercial space missions. The first company in India to open a facility that could produce 3D-printed rockets was Agnikul.
Agnikul also created the first rocket launchpad in India to be built by a commercial company, called “Dhanush,” which is situated at the ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center-SHAR (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) offered support in the building of this launchpad.
Second Indian Private Company in Space
After Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos is the second startup in India to launch a rocket into space. From the ISRO Sriharikota launchpad, Skyroot’s local Vikram-S rocket was launched with success.
India’s space technology has begun a new era with the successful launch of Agnibaan, featuring the 3D-printed Agnilet engine. The accomplishments of Agnikul Cosmos demonstrate the nation’s developing aerospace capabilities and its ability to take the lead in cutting-edge space exploration technologies.
read more: :RBI Launches PRAVAAH, RBI Retail Direct Mobile App, and FinTech Repository
About the Author
