Agnikul Tastes Success In Fifth Attempt To Launch Sub-Orbital Rocket

Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. successfully carried out a sub-orbital test-flight of its 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan, on Thursday, after four failed attempts. This is the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The company launched the world’s first rocket with a single piece 3D printed engine from Sriharikota at 7:15 a.m.  

"The key purpose of this mission, which is also Agnikul’s first flight, is to serve as a test flight, to demonstrate the in-house and home grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul's orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’," the company said in a statement.

The test flight was first scheduled to be held on March 22 at the Agnikul Launchpad at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The first four attempts were foiled due to various technical difficulties minutes before the launch.

Agnikul owns the nation's first private launchpad and its Agnibaan is the second rocket of its kind to undergo testing. The first was Skyroot Aerospace's launch of the Vikram-S sub-orbital rocket in November 2022.

Agnibaan is a customisable, two-stage launch vehicle that can carry a payload of up to 300 kg into orbit of about 700 km.

ISRO congratulated Agnikul on the successful mission.

Powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement "showcases brilliance of our young innovators", Pawan Goenka, chairperson of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, posted on X.

"This significant launch, coupled with the recently introduced guidelines for the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 by IN-SPACe and the new FDI regulations, will undoubtedly bolster global confidence in India's private space industry and its growing capabilities," said AK Bhatt, director general of the Indian Space Association.

The startup is looking at flying an orbital mission towards the end of financial year 2025 and is working with customers on flights starting regularly from 2025, it said.