Akshata Sharma
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After four unsuccessful attempts, this IIT Madras-incubated spacetech startup has made history.
On Thursday, Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine, which was designed and built indigenously.
With assistance from ISRO, the startup successfully carried out a sub-orbital test flight of its home-built rocket-Agnibaan-at 7:15 am from Sriharikota.
Interestingly, Agnibaan SORTED has achieved many firsts, including being the first rocket launch powered by a semi-cryogenic engine and the first rocket launch from India's private launchpad.
Agnibaan, powered by the country's only rocket engine that uses both gas and liquid fuel (liquid oxygen/ kerosene), is a two-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 300 kg to a height of 700 km.
The test flight aimed to demonstrate in-house and homegrown technologies, gather crucial flight data, and ensure the optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul's orbital launch vehicle, the 'Agnibaan'.
It can access both low and high-inclination orbits and is completely mobile, designed to operate from more than 10 launch ports, according to the company.
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