The Indian space sector is about to witness another historic milestone as Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos prepares for the launch of its sub-orbital rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD.
The company has announced a launch window between March 22nd and 28th, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This launch will be India's second foray into the realm of private space launches, following in the footsteps of Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-S mission.
Agnibaan SOrTeD: A Technological Breakthrough
Agnibaan SOrTeD is a unique, single-stage launch vehicle designed to propel small satellites into suborbital trajectories. What sets it apart is its revolutionary propulsion system – the Agnilet engine. This semi-cryogenic engine boasts the remarkable distinction of being entirely 3D-printed in a single piece.Furthermore, unlike traditional sounding rockets that rely on launch rails for guidance, Agnibaan SOrTeD is designed for a vertical liftoff, performing a series of precise maneuvers in flight.
The Mission Objectives
Agnikul has outlined two primary objectives for this suborbital launch. First and foremost, it will be a crucial test for the company's proprietary navigation, guidance, and autopilot systems.Additionally, the mission will provide invaluable data to evaluate the capabilities of Agnikul's launchpad infrastructure in preparation for more complex future launches.
India's Burgeoning Private Space Industry
The imminent launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD highlights the rapid growth and ambition of India's private space sector.Success in this mission will not only validate Agnikul's technological prowess but also contribute significantly to advancements in indigenous space capabilities.
It paves the way for a future where private space companies play a pivotal role in India's space exploration endeavors.
