AgniKul Cosmos, an IIT-Madras incubated space start-up, has achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of the Agnibaan SOrTeD-01 mission on Thursday. This sub-orbital rocket was powered by the company's 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine and is capable of placing payloads of up to 100 kg into a low-Earth orbit. This successful launch marks a major step forward for the company and the Indian space industry as a whole.
AgniKul Cosmos: India's Trailblazing Space Startup
AgniKul Cosmos, a pioneer in India's private space industry, is making significant strides in developing and launching innovative rocket systems.
Background:
AgniKul Cosmos was founded in 2017 by a team of engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras). The company's mission is to democratize access to space by providing affordable launch solutions for small satellites.
Agnibaan SOrTeD-01 Mission:
On January 12, 2023, AgniKul Cosmos successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD-01 mission from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launchpad in Sriharikota. This sub-orbital rocket was propelled by AgniKul's 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine. The rocket successfully reached an altitude of 100 km, carrying a payload of 5 kg.
Significance:
The Agnibaan SOrTeD-01 launch marks a significant achievement for AgniKul Cosmos and the Indian space industry. It demonstrates the company's capabilities in developing advanced rocket technology, including 3D printing and semi-cryogenic propulsion. The successful launch also paves the way for future missions carrying larger payloads into low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Future Plans:
AgniKul Cosmos aims to develop and launch a series of rockets, including the Agnibaan-1 and Agnibaan-3, capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 1,500 kg into LEO. The company is also working on developing reusable launch vehicles to reduce launch costs and increase sustainability.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the unique feature of AgniKul's rocket engine?
AgniKul's rocket engine is 3D-printed in a single piece, using a proprietary alloy. This innovative approach significantly reduces manufacturing time and cost.
2. What is the payload capacity of Agnibaan-1 and Agnibaan-3 rockets?
Agnibaan-1 will have a payload capacity of up to 200 kg into LEO, while Agnibaan-3 will be capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,500 kg into LEO.
3. When is the planned launch of Agnibaan-1?
AgniKul Cosmos plans to launch Agnibaan-1 in the first half of 2023.
4. What is the goal of AgniKul Cosmos?
AgniKul Cosmos aims to democratize access to space by providing affordable and reliable launch solutions for small satellites.
5. How does AgniKul's launch system compare to ISRO's?
AgniKul Cosmos is developing a complementary launch system to ISRO's. While ISRO focuses on heavy launch vehicles for large payloads, AgniKul targets the growing market for small satellite launches.
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