After 4 attempts, Indian start-up successfully launches rocket: Why this is historic
- by Firstpost
- May 30, 2024
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Chennai-based space start-up AgniKul Cosmos successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket from Sriharikota. This success comes after four previous attempts were made and then called off owing to technical glitches. Today’s mission is historic as the country saw the first ever 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket being launched from a private launchpad
Also read: India’s first private space launchpad, Agnikul, is set to give the aerospace industry a major boostA mission of many firsts
For space experts, today’s launch is historic as it is a series of many firsts. With Agnibaan, the country saw the launch of its first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch. It’s important to note here that ISRO, India’s space agency, has never flown a semi-cryogenic engine. It is developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine and the first ignition trial was conducted successfully on 2 May. Hence, the Chennai-based start-up has achieved what no other Indian private firm has done.
Commenting on the same, space expert Girish Linganna told The Week: “Semi-cryogenic engines are often used in the initial stages of a rocket for their cost-effectiveness and simpler handling, whereas cryogenic engines are used in the later stages for their higher efficiency and greater power needed to place satellites into higher orbits or for deep space missions. Semi-cryogenic engine technology has not yet been demonstrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in any of its rockets.”
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AgniKul Cosmos, the company behind the launch, was founded in 2017 and is based in Chennai. Image Courtesy: AgniKul Cosmos
Moreover, the mission saw the success of the Agnilet engine, which is the first single-piece 3D-printed engine. Moin SPM, co-founder of AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited had earlier told NDTV that if successful, the Agnilet could prove to be a game-changer.
“Single piece using 3D printing means that the entire part was made as one continuous piece using a 3D printer, rather than being assembled from multiple parts. 3D printing is a process where a machine creates objects layer by layer from a digital model, using materials like plastic or metal. This method can make the part stronger and more reliable,” Linganna added.
Besides this, Thursday’s launch had another first. The space vehicle was launched from India’s first private launchpad, Dhanush, at Sriharikota. This was also developed by Agnikul Cosmos.
Dr Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe responsible for coordinating with the private space sector praised Agnikul for their achievements, saying: “Elated at the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD by Agnikul Cosmos! A historic moment for India’s space sector. Powered by world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement showcases brilliance of our young innovators.”
This was also echoed by Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retired), Director General, Indian Space Association (IspA). In a report by The Hindu, he was quoted as saying: “What Agnikul has achieved today, is nothing short of a historical milestone, since India launched its maiden rocket in 1963 from Thumba launch station. Agnibaan SOrTeD has got many firsts in its strides with being India’s first launch from a private launchpad, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch and the world’s first single-piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.”
With inputs from agencies
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