World’s 1st 3D-Printed Rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD Engine (Agnilet)

On 30 May, Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its first sub-orbital test vehicle powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine, after calling off its launch at least four times previously.

Key Points:

1. Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space startup, successfully launched its sub-orbital test vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD.
2. Significance:
   1. First in India: Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) is powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine (Agnilet).
   2. Second private launch: This is the 2nd launch by a private Indian space startup after Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-S launch in November 2022. This demonstrates the growing capability of the private space sector in India.
   3. Private launchpad: The launch took place from Agnikul's own private launchpad at Sriharikota, a first for a private company.
   4. Semi-cryogenic engine: The rocket uses a semi-cryogenic engine, a technology that uses sub-cooled oxygen as fuel.
3. Impact:
   1. Lower costs: 3D printing technology could significantly reduce launch costs and assembly time.
   2. Affordable access to space: Agnikul aims to offer affordable launch services for small satellites, opening up new possibilities for research, communication, and other applications.
   3. Technological advancement: The successful launch demonstrates India's growing expertise in space technology and innovation.
4. Organisations Involved:
   1. Agnikul Cosmos (IIT Madras-incubated startup)
   2. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
   3. IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)

Features of Agnibaan SOrTeD

1. Agnibaan SOrTeD is equipped with the Agnilet, India's first semi-cryogenic engine, developed indigenously.
2. The rocket engine will burn kerosene-liquid oxygen  and can be directly used in the rocket, making it highly efficient.
3. It stands 18 meters tall and is 1.3 meters in diameter, with a lift-off mass of 14,000 Kgs.
4. It can carry a 100-kg payload up to a height of 700 km.
5. It will also include India's first Ethernet-based avionics architecture and completely in-house developed autopilot software.
6. To ensure its compatibility with multiple launch ports, Agnikul has designed a launch pedestal called 'Dhanush'.

Significance of Agnibaan SOrTeD:

Agnibaan SOrTeD is an important development in India's space program for several reasons:

1. It is the first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine in the world.
2. It will be launched from India's first private launchpad, ALP-01, located inside ISRO's Sriharikota spaceport.
3. It can access both low and high inclination orbits, making it a versatile launch vehicle.
4. It is also designed for launch from more than 10 different launch ports, providing greater flexibility.

Additional points:

1. The launch vehicle is designed to be mobile and launched from any location.
2. Agnikul aims to conduct its first orbital launch by the end of the financial year, enabling it to carry satellites into orbit.
3. The mission reached a height of 8 kilometres before splashing down into the sea.

FAQs:

Q. Which Indian space startup recently launched a rocket powered by the world's first 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine?

Ans. (Agnikul Cosmos)

Q. What is the name of the rocket launched by Agnikul Cosmos?

Ans. (Agnibaan SOrTeD)

Q. What type of engine does the Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket use?

Ans. (Semi-cryogenic engine)

 

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