Agnikul Launches World's First 3D-Printed Rocket

Agnikul Cosmos, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up, has successfully launched the world's first rocket with a 3D-printed engine from Sriharikota. The 'Agnibaan - SOrTeD' Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator, launched from India's first private launch pad, 'Dhanush', is India's first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch. The mission aims to test in-house and home-grown technologies, gather flight data and ensure the optimal functioning of Agnikul's orbital launch vehicle, 'Agnibaan'.

The launch was attended by prominent figures such as Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, Dr Pawan Goenka, Director of IN-SPACe, Rajeev Jyoti and Director of SHAR.

The core team members of AgniKul, including Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, Saraniya Periaswamy, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD and Umamaheswari K, were present at the event.

Agnikul aims to make space accessible to everyone, enabling launches anytime, anywhere and affordable. With over 200 engineers and 45 former ISRO scientists, the team is dedicated to developing customisable launch vehicles. Agnikul is associated with NCCRD at IIT Madras and aims to democratise access to space.

The Agnibaan, the flagship launch vehicle, is designed to be compatible with the 'Dhanush' mobile launchpad, offering launch flexibility and versatility across various mission requirements, accommodating payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg.

Agnikul plans to launch an orbital mission by the end of 2025 and will begin regular flights with customers in the first quarter of 2025.