Agnikul Cosmos Makes History with Launch of India’s First Private Rocket, Agniban

Agnikul Cosmos has made a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey with the successful launch of Agniban, the country’s first private rocket. Led by CEO Srinath Ravichandran, the startup’s inaugural launch from the “Dhanushi” mobile launch pad at Sriharikota signifies a groundbreaking achievement, marking the entrance of the private sector into India’s space industry. Collaborating closely with ISRO, Agnikul’s Agniban rocket is tailored to deploy small satellites weighing under 100 kg into orbits reaching up to 700 km, leveraging a semi-cryogenic engine powered by kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, and liquid oxygen across its three stages.

In a pioneering move, today’s launch features a Suborbital Tech Demonstration, where the Agniban rocket will ascend 20 km above ground, carrying a 7kg satellite model, before descending into the Bay of Bengal. This experimental mission not only showcases Agnikul’s prowess but also marks a significant leap in private space exploration in India. With cutting-edge technology, including 3D printing for rocket engine manufacturing, Agnikul is revolutionizing the aerospace sector, boasting the capacity to produce two rocket engines per week since its inception in 2017. As the first entity to utilize this innovative manufacturing technique in India, Agnikul signifies a promising future for indigenous space technology development.