Chennai-based space start-up Agnikul Cosmos is aiming to commence satellite launches as early as next year, buoyed by the success of its Agnibaan rocket’s test flight. In an interview with PTI, Agnikul’s CEO Srinath Ravichandran revealed plans for commercial orbital launches, leveraging the innovative 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engines and rockets for customizable launch solutions.
“We are targeting nine to twelve months, possibly by the end of this financial year or early next financial year,” Ravichandran stated, highlighting the swift turnaround time the technology offers for tailored launch services.
The recent test flight of Agnibaan SOrTeD (suborbital technology demonstrator) marked a significant milestone for Agnikul, following four unsuccessful attempts. Ravichandran expressed relief, emphasizing the learning curve involved in transitioning from vehicle development to successful launch execution.
Key to Agnikul’s success is its founders, including operations specialist Moin SPM and IIT Madras professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, alongside women engineers Saraniya Periaswamy and Umamaheswari. K, who played a pivotal role in the test flight.
Agnibaan’s test flight achieved several milestones, including the world’s first flight with a single-piece 3D-printed engine and the first-ever semi-cryo engine launch in India. The rocket’s control systems, powered by the Linux operating system and ethernet-based architecture, demonstrated cutting-edge technology.
Looking ahead, Agnikul aims to perfect firing multiple engines simultaneously and conduct stage separation tests. Ravichandran outlined plans for ground testing and stage separation trials, targeting an orbital mission within the next few months.
With a burgeoning demand for small satellites, Agnikul’s Agnibaan launch vehicle offers versatility and compatibility with the mobile launchpad called Dhanush. Designed to accommodate payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, Agnibaan promises to meet diverse mission requirements in the growing space industry landscape.
