Suborbital Tech Demonstrator : Single-stage Launch Vehicle

Recently, AgniKul Cosmos, a space tech start-up based in Chennai, set to launch their groundbreaking Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD), the world’s first 3D-printed rocket into space.

AgniKul Cosmos’ journey is supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

What is Agnikul’s space vehicle?

It’s a Suborbital Tech Demonstrator (SorTeD) single-stage launch vehicle, called Agnibaan, which is driven by the company’s patented Agnilet engine.
Agnibaan SOrTeD will lift off vertically & follow a predetermined trajectory. It can carry payloads up to 100 kg to a low Earth orbit (LEO) up to 700 km.

What sort of engine does Agnikul have?

The Agnilet engine is an entirely 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine.
- In 2021, Skyroot had successfully demonstrated the country’s first privately developed cryogenic engine, Dhawan-1, which too was completely 3D printed, using a superalloy, by a process that cut the manufacturing time by 95 per cent.
The Agnilet engine uses a mixture of liquid kerosene at room temperature and supercooled liquid oxygen as propellant.

What is the space vehicle of Agnikul?

It is a Suborbital Tech Demonstrator (SorTeD) single-stage launch vehicle called Agnibaan, powered by the company’s proprietary Agnilet engine.
Agnibaan SorTeD takes off vertically and follows a predetermined trajectory.
It can carry a payload of up to 100 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO) to a distance of up to 700 km.

Current Status of Indian Space Sector

India’s space industry accounted for just under 3% of the fast-growing global space economy, which was already worth at least $360 billion.
Indian industry cannot compete globally because its role has traditionally been to supply components and sub-systems.
Indian industry did not have the resources or technology to undertake the kind of independent space projects that companies like SpaceX did in the US.
Even in India, ISRO could not keep pace with the growing demand for space-based applications and services.
Therefore, in June 2020, the government approved the establishment of the Indian National Center for Space Promotion and Licensing (IN-SPACe) to ensure greater participation of the private sector in Indian space activities and revitalize the sector.

What are the benefits of privatization of ISRO?

The private participation will free up ISRO to focus on science, R&D, interplanetary exploration and strategic launches.
Too many of ISRO’s resources are currently consumed by routine activities that delay its more strategic goals.
Commercial Advantages: It does not make sense for ISRO to launch weather or communication satellites alone.
- More and more private entrepreneurs are taking over this activity for commercial interests.
ISRO Revenue: ISRO can earn money by providing facilities and data to private players.
It is not that private players have siphoned off the revenue that ISRO receives from commercial launches.
“Explosive growth” of the space economy is expected in the coming years, and there would be enough for everyone.

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