Chennai’s Rocket Startup Makes History with 3D-Printed Engine & Private Launch Success
- Vansh Arora
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In the heart of Chennai, a revolutionary aerospace startup, Agnikul Cosmos, is redefining India's presence in the private space sector. Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, and Janardhana Raju, Agnikul operates from the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development at IIT Madras.
Their mission: to develop small-lift launch vehicles, with their flagship being the Agnibaan rocket, tailored to deliver micro and nanosatellites into low Earth orbit.
Innovating Rocketry with 3D Printing
Agnikul's approach stands out due to its emphasis on modularity and rapid manufacturing. The Agnibaan rocket is a two-stage launch vehicle powered by a combination of kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX). What truly sets it apart is its engine, Agnilet—the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. This innovation eliminates complex assembly processes, potentially reducing manufacturing time and costs significantly.
Historic Suborbital Test Flight
On May 30, 2024, this Rocket Startup achieved a monumental milestone by successfully conducting a suborbital test flight of Agnibaan. This mission marked several firsts:
The first flight powered by a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
The inaugural launch from India's first private launchpad, established by Agnikul at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The test flight reached an altitude of approximately 8,076 meters and lasted about two minutes before the rocket safely splashed down in the ocean. This success followed four previous launch attempts that were aborted due to technical issues, underscoring the challenges and complexities of spaceflight.
Recognition and Future Endeavors
Agnikul's achievements have garnered recognition from various quarters. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) acknowledged the successful flight as a significant milestone, particularly highlighting the use of additive manufacturing in the semi-cryogenic engine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the accomplishment, emphasizing its importance for India's burgeoning private space industry.
Looking ahead, Agnikul aims to commence commercial satellite launches by 2025. The company envisions a future where access to space is more affordable and flexible, catering to the growing demand for satellite deployment services. Their modular rocket design allows for customization based on specific mission requirements, potentially offering clients tailored solutions for their payloads.
Financial Backing and Growth
To support its ambitious endeavors, Agnikul has secured substantial investments. In October 2023, the company raised $26.7 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to approximately $40 million. Investors include notable entities such as Mayfield, pi Ventures, Speciale Invest, Celesta Capital, Rocketship.vc, Artha Venture Fund, and Artha Select Fund. These funds are instrumental in scaling up manufacturing capabilities, enhancing research and development, and expanding the workforce, which currently comprises around 150-200 employees.
Pioneering India's Private Space Sector
Agnikul's journey reflects the broader transformation of India's space sector, which is increasingly embracing private participation. With policy support from the government and collaborations with institutions like ISRO, startups like Agnikul are poised to play a pivotal role in making space more accessible. Their innovations in rocket design and manufacturing not only contribute to India's capabilities but also position the country as a competitive player in the global space industry.
Launch Your Startup with SK A&G
Agnikul Cosmos exemplifies the potential of private enterprise in advancing space technology. Through its pioneering work in 3D-printed engines and private launch infrastructure, the company is charting a path toward more efficient and customizable space launch solutions.
As Agnikul continues to develop and refine its technologies, it stands at the forefront of a new era in India's space exploration endeavors.
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