In a major step to strengthen India’s position in the rapidly expanding space industry, the Indian government is planning to assist Agnikul Cosmos in the development of its Agnibaan rocket. This program is in line with the government’s overarching plan to encourage commercial involvement in space technologies and exploration.
The Agnibaan launch vehicle, which is intended to satisfy a variety of mission objectives while cutting lead times for satellite deployment, will be made possible with the Center’s support [6]. This investment is a component of a broader initiative to support India’s commercial space sector, which has experienced significant expansion in recent years.
The first fully 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine in history powers the Agnibaan rocket, created by Agnikul Cosmos. The production of rockets can be done more cheaply and efficiently thanks to this creative idea. With payloads weighing between 30 to 300 kg, the rocket can serve a variety of purposes in low Earth orbit, including communications, navigation, and climate monitoring.
On May 30, 2024, Agnikul Cosmos successfully completed the Agnibaan rocket’s first test flight. Being the first rocket to be launched from a private launch pad in India and featuring a fully integrated 3D printed engine, this event was historic and demonstrated notable developments in domestic space technology.
Beginning in 2025, Agnikul hopes to launch commercial satellites on a regular basis with government backing and successful test launches. The company intends to launch between 35 and 40 times a year, helping to meet the increasing demand for tiny satellite services across a range of industries.
In order to build a strong private space industry in India, promote innovation, and strengthen the nation’s standing in international space exploration, Agnikul Cosmos and the Indian government have partnered.