The Chennai-based space start-up AgniKul Cosmos achieved a significant feat for space exploration by succesful demonstration of launch vehicle with 3D-printed engine.
From becoming the first nation to land on south pole of the Moon to launching a spacecraft to study the Sun environment, extraordinary is just an understatement what ISRO has achieved in last couple of year. Now, AgniKul Cosmos launched SOrTeD mission, which is a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration powered by a semi-cryogenic 3D-printed engine. Meanwhile, 3D printing is a process of creating a 3D object or material from any digital file by developing it layer by layer. For spacecraft uses, 3D-printing was first performed in 2014. In this article, we will discuss about Agnikul’s remarkable achievement in space exploration.
The Agnilet engine is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. The mission, which lasted for only two minutes, is considered as a remarkable feat for its future prospects.
The Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator or SOrTeD was previously scheduled to launch on April 7. However, some technical glitches caused postponement. Finally, the demonstration was conducted from India's first private launchpad, ALP-01, situated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD was launched at 7.15 am. “Humbled to announce the successful completion of our first flight—Mission 01 of Agnibaan SOrTeD—from our own and India’s first and only private Launchpad within SDSC-SHAR at Sriharikota,” AgniKul said in a post on X.
The SOrTeD mission featured a 6.2-meter-tall single-stage launch vehicle with an elliptical nose cone. The rocket is also equipped with advanced avionics architecture along with indigenous autopilot software.
“All the mission objectives of this controlled vertical ascent flight were met and performance was nominal. The vehicle was completely designed in-house and was powered by the world’s first single piece 3D printed engine and also happens to be India’s first flight with a semi-cryo engine,” the company said.
The mission further tested pitch-over manoeuvre as well as wind biasing before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal.
The data gathered from this mission will help fine-tuning the development of the Agnibaan launch vehicle in near future. The company is planning to develop a highly customisable and capable engine which can carrying a 300kg payload to a 700km orbit.
With this successful demonstration, AgniKul Cosmos is targeting the multi-billion-dollar small satellite launch market.
ISRO congratulated the Chennai-based space start-up: “Congratulations Agnikul Cosmos for the successful launch of the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their launch pad. A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing.”
“The Department of Space and Isro congratulate Agnikul Cosmos… the success involving many firsts, including 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, flight control systems etc, demonstrate the prowess of indigenous design and innovation,” ISRO’s Chairman S Somanath said in a statement.
“The successful launch marks a significant moment for private players who are contributing to growing India's space sector,” Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, said in a statement.
“It motivates ISRO to support the space startups and non-governmental entities for innovation and ‘atmanirbharata’ to create a vibrant space ecosystem in the country,” mentioned ISRO chief Somanath.
