Agnikul Cosmos, an innovative start-up incubated at IIT Madras, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully launching the world's first rocket equipped with a single-piece 3D printed engine. The historic event took place at Sriharikota at 7:15 AM on May 30th, 2024, marking a significant achievement in indigenous design and development.

Dubbed 'Agnibaan - SOrTeD' Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator, the rocket boasts the distinction of being launched from India's first private launch pad named ‘Dhanush,’ established by Agnikul. Moreover, it represents India's inaugural semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch.

Congratulations @AgnikulCosmos for the successful launch of the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their launch pad.

A major milestone, as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realized through additive manufacturing.@INSPACeIND

— ISRO (@isro)

The primary objective of this maiden flight, also serving as Agnikul's debut, is to conduct a test flight, showcasing in-house technologies, gathering essential flight data, and ensuring the optimal performance of systems for Agnikul's orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan.’

The launch event witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical) at IN-SPACe, and Shri A Raj Rajan, Director at SHAR. Agnikul's core team members, including Prof. Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Founding Advisor, and faculty at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, as well as Co-Founders and key executives, were also present to witness the historic event.

Congratulating Agnikul on this significant achievement, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, commended the prowess of indigenous design and innovation demonstrated through this feat. He emphasized ISRO's commitment to supporting space startups and non-governmental entities, fostering innovation and self-reliance to create a vibrant space ecosystem in India.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, praised the successful launch as a milestone not only for Agnikul Cosmos but also for private players contributing to India's burgeoning space sector. He highlighted the pivotal role of young innovators and entrepreneurs in driving transformation through cutting-edge technology.

Agnikul's vision is to democratize access to space, aiming to enable launches that are accessible, affordable, and customizable according to customer needs. This launch represents a significant step towards realizing that vision.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, hailed the pioneering achievement by Agnikul as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasized the innovative technology demonstrated by Agnikul as a testament to the limitless potential of Indian startups.

Looking ahead, Prof. Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, Founding Advisor at Agnikul Cosmos, highlighted the significance of India's first semi-cryogenic rocket engine and its potential to revolutionize space launch capabilities.

With over 200 engineers and guidance from former ISRO scientists, Agnikul is poised to contribute significantly to India's technological and economic growth. Co-Founder and CEO, Mr. Srinath Ravichandran, expressed gratitude for the support received from various stakeholders and underscored the startup's commitment to further advancements in space technology.