Agnikul Cosmos, a pioneering spacetech startup, has made history with the successful launch of its Agnibaan Suborbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD) mission. This remarkable achievement marks a series of firsts for India’s space sector, including the nation’s maiden launch from a private launchpad, the inaugural semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch, and the deployment of the country’s first single-piece 3D-printed engine in a launch vehicle.
The Agnibaan SOrTeD mission, which also serves as Agnikul’s maiden flight, is crucial for testing and validating the company’s indigenous technologies. It aims to gather vital flight data and ensure optimal system performance for the upcoming two-stage Agnibaan launch vehicle. Unlike conventional sounding rockets, SOrTeD executed a controlled vertical takeoff and meticulously followed a predetermined trajectory, showcasing its advanced maneuverability during flight.
The ground-breaking mission has drawn accolades from the Indian Space Association (ISpA), whose director general, Lt Gen (retd) AK Bhatt, hailed it as a pivotal milestone. He expressed immense pride in the flourishing private space industry and acknowledged its promising potential. This triumph, coupled with the recent implementation guidelines for the Indian Space Policy 2023 and new FDI regulations, is anticipated to bolster international confidence in India’s burgeoning private space industry and its rapidly expanding capabilities.
