The recent inauguration of India’s first privately owned space vehicle launchpad has earmarked an exciting chapter in the country’s space exploration history. The Chennai-based space tech start-up, Agnikul Cosmos, is behind this groundbreaking initiative. The inauguration happened at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota with the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center).
Inside Agnikul’s Launchpad Facility
A peek inside reveals that the Agnikul setup comprises two main areas: the Agnikul launchpad and the Agnikul mission control centre, which are located approximately four kilometres apart. The launchpad is specifically designed to facilitate liquid stage-controlled launches, a feature projected to significantly propel Agnikul Cosmos’s upcoming ventures.
The primary purpose of this company is to evince its Agnibaan rocket from this newly inaugurated launchpad. However, that’s not the only function it plans to undertake. They’ve built this launchpad to serve a significant need for ISRO’s range operations team, aiming to monitor vital flight safety parameters during launches efficiently.
What sets this launchpad apart is its ability to share data and other critical information with ISRO’s Mission Control Center, ensuring that key insights and updates are effectively communicated in real-time during crucial missions.
The Agnibaan Rocket: An Insight
The Agnibaan rocket is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 100 kilograms to a low-earth orbit, approximately 700 kilometres from the Earth’s surface. The power source for the Agnibaan comes from the company’s own 3D-printed Agnilet engines, distinguishing it from traditional space engines.
Significant strides have already been made with the Agnilet engine, marking a new era in the space tech industry. This engine is the world’s first single-piece 3D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India, displaying exceptional technological prowess.
It was successfully test-fired in early 2021, making Agnikul the first company in India to test its engines at ISRO. The Agnilet rocket is classified as a “semi-cryogenic” engine, using a mixture of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen to propel itself. This complex engine operates at extremely high temperatures, reflecting the technological sophistication and innovation involved in its creation.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Agnikul launchpad facility symbolizes a promising step forward for India’s space exploration initiatives. With its functional elements and unmatched technical features, this development avows an exhilarating new era for India’s space tech industry.
