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IIT-Madras unveils world's first 3D printed semicryogenic rocket engine
Industry News- Jun 03,24
Not only the world’s first 3D printed engine, Agnibaan has got many firsts in its strides by becoming the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch and also India’s first rocket launch from a private launchpad.
After four previous attempts, AgniKul Cosmos, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, achieved a historic milestone on Thursday morning by successfully launching the world’s first single-piece 3D printed rocket engine. This significant feat was accomplished with assistance from ISRO, as the startup conducted a sub-orbital test-flight of its indigenous rocket, Agnibaan, at 7:15 am from Sriharikota.
Agnibaan not only marks the world's first 3D printed engine but also several other firsts, including being the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch and India's maiden rocket launch from a private launchpad. It's fueled by a unique combination of gas and liquid (liquid oxygen/kerosene), making it the sole rocket engine in India utilising such technology.
In a post, AgniKul expressed gratitude for the successful completion of their first flight - Mission 01 of Agnibaan SOrTeD, emphasising it as India’s first private launch from SDSC-SHAR at Sriharikota. This two-stage rocket has a capacity to carry up to 300 kg to a height of 700 km. The mission aims to demonstrate in-house technologies, gather crucial flight data, and ensure optimal system functionality for AgniKul's orbital launch vehicle, 'Agnibaan'.
Key members of AgniKul’s core team, including Prof Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, Saraniya Periaswamy, and Umamaheswari. K, were present during the launch. Prof Chakravarthy highlighted the significance of India's first Semi-cryo rocket engine, praising its rapid assembly capability.
ISRO lauded the launch, citing it as a major milestone in additive manufacturing. ISRO chairman S Somanath congratulated Agnikul Cosmos, acknowledging the success as a testament to indigenous design and innovation.
The suborbital flight aimed to test the new engine and 3D-printed parts, showcasing the avionics chain's capability to control the propulsion system. Pawan K Goenka of IN-SPACe hailed it as a ‘historic moment’, while ISpA noted its significance in bolstering global confidence in India's private space industry.
Agnikul, founded in 2017, operates India's first private launchpad and mission control center. It becomes the second private company to launch a rocket in India, following Skyroot's maiden launch in 2022. AgniKul aims to conduct an orbital mission by the end of the financial year 2025, with regular flights commencing from CY 2025.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Agnikul Cosmos, highlighting the significance of the achievement in India's space sector, which has seen significant reforms promoting privatisation and commercialisation since 2020.
(Source: TOI)
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