IIT Madras Startup Agnikul Launches World's First Rocket With 3D Printed Engine

New Delhi: IIT Madras incubated startup Agnikul Cosmos has launched the world's first-ever rocket with a fully single-piece 3D printed engine. The launch for 'Agnibaan - SubOrbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)' was conducted on May 30, 2024 at 7:15 AM.

The rocket was launched from India's first private rocket launch pad Dhanusha, which was established by Agnikul at Sriharikota. Agnikul’s first flight was conducted to ensure the optimal performance of the system for Agnikul's orbital launch vehicle and test in-house technologies as well as to gather essential flight data.

The Agnikul Cosmos is also preparing to launch an orbit mission which will be launched by the end of 2025. For this, the startup is working with customers for regular flights. 

Key Attendees of Agnikul Cosmos' Agnibaan First Launch

The event was attended by Dr S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe; and A Raj Rajan, Director, Sriharikota Range (SHAR).

Additionally, team members from Angijul such as Prof Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Founding Advisor, Agnikul Cosmos and Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras; Srinath Ravichandran, Co-Founder and CEO, Agnikul Cosmos; Moin SPM, Co-Founder and COO, Agnikul Cosmos; Saraniya Periaswamy, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD; and Umamaheswari K, Project Director, Mission-01and Agnibaan SOrTeD as well as other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

Views on the Agnikul’s Rocket With 3D Printed Engine

Congratulating the team for their innovation, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "ISRO applauds Agnikul Cosmos by IIT Madras for the successful launch. This achievement, showcasing a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, highlights the prowess of indigenous design and innovation."

“It motivates ISRO to support the Space startups and non-governmental entities for innovation and Atmanirbharata to create a vibrant space ecosystem in the country’, he added. Director of IIT Madras, V Kamakoti praised the achievement of team members who worked on this project. 

“We are proud to present India’s first Semi-cryo rocket engine, which is also the world’s most integrated single shot 3D printed piece. It signals the ability to rapidly assemble rockets that is unparalleled,” said Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Founding Advisor of Agnikul Cosmos and Head of NCCRD at IIT Madras.

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