The mission is a major milestone for India’s nascent private space industry.
A pioneer in the Indian space sector, Agnikul Cosmos has successfully launched the ‘Agnibaan – SorTeD’ rocket, the world’s first rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine. The launch took place from India’s first privately developed launch platform “Dhanush”, also founded by Agnikul in Sriharikota.
This mission is an important milestone for India’s growing private space industry. The rocket, powered by the first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-cryogenic engine, took off at 7:15 am IST today.
Agnibaan – The successful launch of SORTED (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) highlights the company’s innovative ability to collect critical data during a test flight for Agnikul’s future Agnibaan.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the Indian space community including Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Dr. S. Somanath and IN-SPACe President Dr. Pawan Goenka.
Congratulating Agnikul, Dr. Somanath emphasized that the launch “demonstrates the capability of indigenous design and innovation” and highlights the potential of private sector players in India’s space ambitions.
Dr. Goenka echoed these sentiments, saying the event “marks an important moment for private individuals contributing to the growth of India’s space sector.”
Lieutenant General A. K. Indian Space Association (ISpA) Director General Bhatt (Ven.) said, “What Agnikul has achieved today is a historic milestone since India launched its first rocket from the Thumba launch pad in 1963. Agnibaan SorTeD has achieved many of its first jumps. , which is India’s first launch of a private launch pad, the first semi-cryogenic rocket launch and the world’s first domestically designed and built one-piece 3D printed engine, this is a huge boost and a proud moment for India’s growing private space industry and simply a glimpse into the future, our heartiest congratulations to the entire team behind it and best wishes for their future endeavors.
This important launch along with the recently revealed IN-SPACE guidelines for the implementation of India’s space policy 2023 and the new FDI regulations will undoubtedly will strengthen global confidence in India’s private space industry and its growing capabilities. Incubated at IIT Madras, Agnikul aims to democratize access to space by providing affordable and customizable launch solutions. The flagship of the company “Agnibaan” is designed for a load capacity of 30-300 kg, which corresponds to the performance of many different tasks. With this successful launch, Agnikul aims to reach orbit by the end of 2025, marking a new era in private space exploration in India.
