Successful Launch of Agnibaan Rocket
India’s Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its Agnibaan rocket for the first time on Thursday. This marks a significant milestone as it is powered by the only Indian rocket engine using both gas and liquid fuel. This event represents the country’s second flight of a privately built rocket.
Overcoming Challenges
The Agnibaan’s first flight faced multiple delays, with four cancellations in the last two months due to technical issues. The most recent cancellation occurred on Tuesday, just five seconds before lift-off. Despite these setbacks, the rocket finally took off on Thursday.
Flight Details and Achievements
The Agnibaan is a customisable, two-stage launch vehicle designed to carry a payload of up to 300 kg (661 lb) into an orbit around 700 kilometres (435 miles) altitude. On this maiden flight, it flew for two minutes, reaching a maximum altitude, or apogee, of 8,076 metres before descending into the ocean.
“All the mission objectives of this controlled vertical ascent flight were met and performance was nominal,” the company announced.
Significance for Indian Space Technology
This launch is particularly notable as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has yet to successfully fly a rocket with a “semi-cryogenic” engine. ISRO highlighted the achievement on social media, describing it as a “major milestone” and the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing.
Testing Innovations
The suborbital flight aimed to test the new engine and 3D-printed parts. This advancement signifies a crucial step in India’s space technology capabilities.
Support and Optimism
Pawan K Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), praised the event as a “historic moment.” The Indian Space Association (ISpA) expressed that the launch would “bolster global confidence” in the country’s private space industry.
Government Support for Space Sector
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for the privatisation and commercialisation of India’s space sector in recent years. India’s first privately developed rocket, by the company Skyroot, was launched in 2022.
About Agnikul Cosmos
Agnikul Cosmos, founded in 2017, is named after the Hindi and Sanskrit word for fire. The company operates India’s first private launchpad and mission control centre, distinct from other launchpads managed by ISRO.