Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, has announced a groundbreaking achievement in rocket engine production. The Agnibaan rocket engine, a key component of the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket, can be manufactured in an astonishingly short span of just 72 hours.
This revelation marks a significant departure from traditional manufacturing methods, which typically require 2-3 months to produce a comparable engine. The drastic reduction in production time is attributed to the utilization of cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, which enables faster prototyping, iteration, and assembly.
In addition to accelerating development cycles, the 3D-printed engine offers substantial cost benefits. It is estimated to be approximately one-tenth the price of a conventionally manufactured engine, making space exploration more accessible to a wider range of organizations.
Agnikul Cosmos recently launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Technological Demonstrator), a single-stage rocket powered by this innovative engine. The launch, which took place from India's first private launchpad called 'Dhanush' at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, was a historic moment for the Indian space sector and a testament to the potential of 3D-printed technology in rocketry.
The rapid production time of the Agnibaan engine not only enhances efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for rapid response and customization in the space industry. With Agnikul Cosmos leading the way in 3D-printed rocket technology, the future of space exploration appears more promising than ever.
