Pathbreaking achievement! Madras IIT startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully launches SOrTeD

Thursday 30 May, 2024 | 9:37 PM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

SRIHARIKOTA: In a path-breaking achievement in India’s space mission, Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based private startup, has successfully launched a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine rocket 'Agnibaan'.

The test took place at 7:15 am on Thursday from Agnikul's launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Center in Sriharikota. ISRO chief S Somanath declared the launch of Sub-Orbital Tech Demonstrator Mission-01 (SOrTeD) a complete success.

The launch was postponed four times earlier. After a steep flight of eight kilometres, the rocket landed in the Bay of Bengal. The satellite will be launched later this year.

Printed engine

The world's first single piece 3D printed rocket engine
Instead of assembling thousands of parts, the engine was printed as a whole
India's first semi-cryogenic engine
India's first private mobile launch pad – Dhanush
Second launch of a private start-up in India.

Rocket

Single engine (single stage).
Length 6.2 meters
Weight 575 kg
30 to 300 kg can be launched
Engine name: Agnilet

Semicryogenic engine

In cryogenics, the fuel is supercooled liquid oxygen (-183 degrees) and liquid hydrogen (-252.9 degrees).
In semi-cryogenics, liquid hydrogen is replaced by kerosene
Temperature change does not affect the liquid state of kerosene
Safer than liquid hydrogen

Agnikul Cosmos