Tamil Nadu Creates History with India's Second Privately Developed Rocket

Tags: Science and Technology

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, one of Tamil Nadu's space companies, is preparing to launch its first rocket, Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• Agnibaan SOrTeD marks India's inaugural launch from a private launchpad, marking a significant advancement in the country's space industry.

• The launch will also represent India's first rocket powered by a semi-cryogenic engine, showcasing advancements in propulsion technology.

Innovation with 3D Printed Engines:

• Agnikul Cosmos has achieved another milestone with the production of the world's first single-piece 3D-printed engine, highlighting indigenous innovation and engineering expertise.

Founders and Collaborative Efforts:

• Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM and Satya Chakraborty, Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd became the first Indian company to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe project.

• The partnership, launched in December 2020, provided Agnikul Cosmos with access to ISRO's resources and expertise, facilitating the development of Agnibaan.

Prior Achievements:

• India's journey into privately developed rockets began in 2022 with the launch of Vikram-S developed by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd.

• Vikram-S achieved a peak altitude of 89.5 kilometers during its initial mission, marking India's entry into the privately developed rocket market and boosting its aspirations in the private space sector.

About ISRO

Founder - Vikram Sarabhai

Headquarters - Bengaluru

Established - 15 August 1969

Chairman - Shridhar Somnath

Officeholder - S. Somnath