Startup agnikula launches world first rocket with 3d printed engine

Sub: Science and tech

Sub: Space sector

Context:

In a remarkable achievement, IIT Madras’ startup, Agnikula Cosmos, has launched the world’s first rocket with a single-piece three-dimensional (3D) printed engine.

More on news:

The rocket Agniban SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is also India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch that was completely designed and manufactured indigenously.
It was also launched from India’s first privately developed launchpad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still developing a semi-cryogenic engine known as the SCE-200 for its GSLV Mk III rocket.
Agnikul is the second Indian private spaceflight company to test it’s orbital launch system, following Skyroot Aerospace, who launched their Vikram-S rocket.

What is Agnibaan?

Agnibaan is a two-stage rocket with a capacity to carry up to 300 kg to a height of 700 km.
The rocket engines are powered by liquid oxygen or kerosene.
It can access both low- and high-inclination orbits and is completely mobile, designed for accessing more than 10 launch ports, as per the company.
Agnibaan used India’s first semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a mix of liquid and gas for propellant. Liquid propellants can be reused and are safer than solid propellants.
Semi-cryogenic engines help increase payload capacity, reduce launch costs and improve the overall reliability and performance of the launch vehicles.
Agnibaan SOrTeD ( SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is a suborbital technological demonstrator of the Agnibaan launch vehicle, manufactured by Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos.
The SOrTeD mission is a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration that is powered by a semi-cryogenic engine called the Agnilet.

Key Purpose of the mission:

The test flight aims to demonstrate in-house and homegrown technologies, gather crucial flight data, and ensure the optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’.
Agnikul Cosmos is developing launch vehicles that are both affordable and customisable according to customer needs.