T.N. start-up to launch its first rocket on Friday

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Space sector

Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD):

Tamil Nadu’s space start-up, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, headquartered in Chennai, is scheduled to launch its first rocket, Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on March 22.
Mission Goals: The mission aims to validate various systems necessary for orbital flight, except stage separation, with plans for post-flight analysis to prepare for future orbital launches.

Details:

It marks India’s first rocket launch from a private launchpad.
It will be powered by India’s first semi-cryogenic engine.
The launch will feature the world’s first single-piece 3D printed engine, which is designed and built indigenously.
This launch represents:
India’s first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight.
The first use of a patented, integrated single-piece 3D printed rocket.
A sub-orbital launch with advanced features like closed-loop feedback guidance and control with a gimballed thrust vector control, requiring flight termination systems and extensive safety preparations.

About Agnikul Cosmos:

Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Satya Chakravarthy, Agnikul Cosmos is the first company to sign an agreement with ISRO under the IN-SPACe initiative in December 2020, allowing it access to ISRO’s expertise and facilities.

Tamil Nadu’s Role in Space Sector:

Tamil Nadu has significantly contributed to the space sector, with numerous companies and MSMEs supplying parts for major ISRO projects like Chandrayaan-3.
Entities like Data Patterns and L&T have established strong presences in the state, contributing to ISRO’s missions.
TIDCO is enhancing the state’s space sector by establishing two new space parks in Kulasekarapattinam, focusing on space-related manufacturing and propellant production.

Mission Prarambh- Vikram-S rocket:

In 2022,India’s first privately developed rocket was launched named Vikram-S, by Skyroot Aerospace, marking a growing trend of private sector involvement in India’s space endeavours. This mission was titled “Prarambh”.

Source: TH