There’s another news in India’s private space sector. It is the second significant milestone with the successful launch of the Agnibaan rocket by Agnikul Cosmos on Thursday. It marked the second flight of a privately built rocket in the country. It showcased the first Indian rocket engine that uses gas as well as liquid fuel.
Agnibaan’s first flight was postponed four times in the duration of just past two months and the reason was technical issues. However, the persistence and innovation of Agnikul Cosmos paid off this time.
ISRO celebrated the achievement and highlighted the flight was first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine that is created through additive manufacturing. it is a major advancement in rocket technology. It offers a more efficient and customizable approach to space travel.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar congratulated Agnikul Cosmos for their historic launch from India’s only private launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
It is also the world’s first flight with a single-piece 3D printed rocket engine and India’s first flight using a semi-cryogenic engine. The Agnibaan rocket was designed and assembled entirely in-house at the facilities of Agnikul within IIT Madras.
The Agnibaan is a customizable and two-stage launch vehicle that can carry up to 300 kg (661 lbs) into orbit. It uses LOX/Kerosene engines and this can further be adjusted based on the mission, satellite and launch port requirements.
IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan K Goenka hailed the historic moment. The Indian Space Association (ISpA) noted that the launch would boost global confidence in the private space industry in the country.
