Agnikul Cosmos Launches First 3D Printed Rocket Engine

May 31, 2024

A company called Agnikul Cosmos, which was started at IIT Madras, made history on May 30, 2024, by safely launching “Agnibaan – SOrTeD,” the world’s first rocket powered by a fully 3D-printed engine. This important event happened at Sriharikota from India’s first privately built launchpad, called “Dhanush.” The launch is not only a big step forward in technology, but it also makes India a leader in the aerospace industry when it comes to using new production methods like 3D printing.

Technological Innovation

Agnikul Cosmos’ use of 3D printing technology to make rocket motors makes the manufacturing process a lot easier. Co-founder and CEO, says that the engine was made as a single piece, so there was no need for multiple parts and welds. This new idea cuts costs, shortens wait times, and makes the rocket more reliable and efficient. India has also developed and built a semi-cryogenic engine from scratch for the first time.

Significance of the Success

‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’s’ successful operation shows that Agnikul Cosmos can not only handle complicated technologies but also make sure that customer payloads are transported safely. This makes partners and customers more confident in Agnikul Cosmos’s ability to carry out the planned orbital flights. The launch also showed how well government organizations like IN-SPACe and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) could work together and help each other.

Operational Challenges and Achievements

Developing “Agnibaan – SOrTeD” meant overcoming many difficulties linked to putting the launch vehicle together and making it work. Over 15 teams from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR) worked together to make the launch process even better by practicing it over and over again. There were a lot of difficulties that had to be mastered along the way as the transition from manufacturing to seamless launch operations happened.

About Agnikul Cosmos

Agnikul Cosmos wants to make space access more open to everyone by using new technologies like 3D printing and making launch ships that can be used in a variety of ways. Their most important vehicle, called Agnibaan, can carry anywhere from 30 kg to 300 kg and has a launch capability that can be changed to meet the needs of each customer.

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