Agnibaan Mission Postponed: Key Things to Know About Agnikul's Rocket Launch

Agnikul Cosmos, a promising Indian private startup, had been erly anticipating test launch of its revolutionary rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator), slated for March 22. However, much-anticipated event has been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen technical challenges. 

Agnikul's 2-minute-long mission could give India a new launch vehicle

Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket stands out for its groundbreaking engine, which is 3D printed—a pioneering techlogy that Indian Research Organisation (ISRO) is still perfecting. Co-founded in 2017 by aero engineers Srinath Ravichandran and SPM Moin, and mentored by Satya Chakravarthy, Agnikul Cosmos has attracted $40 million in funding from various private equity investors to date.

What sets Agnibaan SOrTeD apart is its propulsion system, utilizing commercially available aviation turbine fuel (kerosene) and medical-grade liquid oxygen. This invative engine represents a significant leap forward in propulsion techlogy.

580-kilogram rocket was set to launch from Sriharikota, reaching a maximum altitude of 20 kilometers above Earth before descending into Bay of Bengal. Capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 7 kilograms, Agnibaan SOrTeD aims to demonstrate India's prowess in exploration.

Here are seven key insights into Agnibaan Rocket:

1. Incorporation of Semi-Cryogenic Engine: Agnikul Cosmos aims to achieve an unprecedented feat among Indian private firms by incorporating a semi-cryogenic engine into its rocket, showcasing its invative approach to techlogy.

2. First Private Launchpad: rocket was scheduled to take off from India's first privately-owned launchpad, located within premises of ISRO's Sriharikota port, marking a significant milestone in India's exploration journey.

3. Vertical Takeoff and Predetermined Trajectory: Unlike traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD lifts off vertically and follows a predetermined trajectory, showcasing advanced techlogy and capabilities.

4. Authorization for Unique Launch Pad: Agnikul has received authorization to establish a unique launch pad near sea on Sriharikota island, indicating ISRO's efforts to facilitate ease of doing business for Indian companies.

5. Emergence of Indian Startups: Agnikul Cosmos is one of prominent Indian startups, alongside Skyroot, aiming to offer launch services to satellite companies and capitalize on growing demand for satellite deployment.

6. Pivotal Objectives of SOrTeD Mission: inaugural mission aims to demonstrate India's premier launch from a private launchpad, showcase maiden semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch, and utilize first single-piece 3D-printed engine for applications, highlighting India's capabilities in cutting-edge techlogy.