Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos begins integration of its first satellite rocket with launchpad at SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota

IIT-Madras based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos will soon launch its small satellite rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD, from its private launchpad at SDSC SHAR. This single-stage launch vehicle is driven by Agnikul's patented Agnilet engine. Agnikul plans to complete its first flight in the coming weeks, validating key technologies integral to its orbital flights. The firm signed an agreement with ISRO in 2020 and inaugurated India's first launchpad and mission control center in 2022. Agnikul's mission is to make space exploration accessible and cost-effective.

IIT-Madras based space tech startup, Agnikul Cosmos, will soon launch its small satellite rocket. On August 15, 2023, Agnikul commenced the integration process of its launch vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), with its private launchpad located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.

Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle, driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine – an entirely 3D-printed, single piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine. Unlike traditional sounding rockets that launch from guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory, while performing a precisely orchestrated set of maneuvers during flight. These flight events have been configured to validate key technologies integral to the success of the company’s upcoming orbital flights. Agnikul plans to complete its first flight in the coming few weeks.

“Delighted to see the progress Agnikul team has made so far. They have our best wishes to have a successful first flight and further activities,” said A. Rajarajan, Director of SDSC-SHAR at a recent event where the vehicle was unveiled for the first time.

“This suborbital mission serves as a validation of the success of Agnikul’s proprietary autopilot, navigation, and guidance algorithms. It also serves as a crucial trial for gauging the launchpad’s preparedness for more ambitious undertakings. Our mission control center is located right next to the historic SLV launch complex from which India’s first orbital flight led by Dr. APJ Kalam Sir was achieved,” said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder & CEO, Agnikul.

Moin S.P.M., co-founder and COO of Agnikul, emphasized the team’s excitement as their vehicle found its place on the launchpad, ready for its journey to the skies. “Building a launch vehicle entails the integration of diverse systems, and coming together of various teams, spanning different disciplines uniting towards a common goal. This vehicle standing on the launchpad is a testament of everyone’s hard work in the team”, he said.

Established in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin S.P.M., and Professor S.R. Chakravarthy, from IIT Madras, Agnikul’s primary objective is to democratise space exploration by making it both accessible and cost-effective.