Indian startup ecosystem is evolving at a rapid pace and gradually covering more and more sectors including space. Aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos is gearing up for its debut rocket launch and it is a significant milestone the country. It is a Chennai-based startup and lately announced that its 3D-printed and semi-cryogenic Agnibaan rocket will take flight soon. The tentative data is between May 28 and June 5. The launching will be facilitated from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The launching was initially scheduled for April 7 but was called off 92 seconds before lift-off due to technical issues. However, Agnikul Cosmos remained determined and highlighted the importance of addressing challenges and ensure a successful mission.
Agnibaan is a state-of-the-art, two-stage launch vehicle. It is basically designed to carry payloads of up to 300 kg into an orbit, about 700 km above Earth. It is equipped with innovative semi-cryogenic engine. It utilizes a combination of liquid and gas propellants. The technology will demonstrate advancements which have not yet been seen in rocket fleet of ISRO.
The mission may last little more than two minutes. After the lift-off it will execute a pitch-over maneuver to adjust orientation. It will thereafter be followed by a wind-biasing maneuver for optimizing its path. It will reach its highest point in just 1 minute and 29 seconds.
If the launching succeeds, Agnikul Cosmos will join the ranks of Skyroot Aerospace. It will be one of the few Indian private companies in the segment. Skyroot Aerospace made history with the launch of its Vikram-S sub-orbital rocket in November 2022. It thereafter paved the path for further innovation and competition within burgeoning private space industry in India.
