An innovative two-stage orbital launch vehicle called Agnibaan, powered by India’s first patented Single-Piece 3D-printed Semi-Cryogenic Engines developed at IIT Madras, was successfully launched on 30th May 2024. This launch marked a significant milestone for India’s space ecosystem, paving the way for more frequent missions and positioning the country as a commercial hub in the space sector. Agnikul, the startup behind the state-of-the-art launch vehicle, is incubated at IIT Madras and has been supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The company aims to revolutionize space engine technology and streamline the manufacturing process for space missions.
NCCRD, supported by DST, is a renowned combustion research center at IIT Madras, focusing on automotive, thermal power, aerospace propulsion, fire research, and microgravity combustion. Agnikul, the Chennai-based startup, has leveraged the expertise of NCCRD to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance the reliability and efficiency of space engines. With the successful launch of their inaugural mission, Agnibaan SOrTeD, Agnikul has demonstrated their capabilities in the space sector. The collaboration between NCCRD and Agnikul has been instrumental in advancing India’s private space industry.
The Government’s initiative to open up the space market for private players has presented new opportunities in the sector. Agnikul has capitalized on this by manufacturing engines at their additive manufacturing facility at IIT Madras Research Park. The unique feature of Agnikul’s engine, which assembles individual components, sets it apart from traditional engines and demonstrates its reliability and efficiency. With the support of DST, Agnikul has established India’s first private launchpad and Mission Control Centre at Sriharikota range, enabling controlled ascent flights with advanced technologies.
Agnibaan, the launch vehicle developed by Agnikul, is equipped with several groundbreaking technologies, including a single-piece 3D printed engine and a configurable design that ensures consistent launch costs across different payload masses. The successful launch of Agnibaan SorTeD has achieved several world-first milestones, including the first flight with a single-piece patented rocket engine, India’s first semi-cryogenic engine flight, and the first flight with Ethernet-based avionics architecture. Agnikul’s achievements highlight India’s progress in space technology and its emergence as a key player in the global space industry.
