In a major breakthrough for India’s private space sector, Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket on May 30th, 2024. This marks a significant milestone after four previous attempts were called off.

The Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Technological Demonstrator) is a single-stage rocket powered by a semi-cryogenic engine, developed and assembled entirely in India. This launch showcases the country’s growing expertise in indigenous space technology and innovation.

“This is the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work and dedication by our team,” said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos. “We are grateful for the opportunity and support of IN-SPACe and ISRO in enabling us to design and build cutting-edge space hardware in India.”

The Agnibaan rocket is capable of carrying up to 300 kg of payload to a 700 km high orbit. The complexity of the launch stems from the use of India’s first semi-cryogenic engine, which utilizes a mix of liquid and gas for propellant.

“This launch is a testament to the potential of our young startups,” said Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. “Agnikul has demonstrated a world-first technology, inspiring young students to pursue entrepreneurship and become future employers.”

This successful launch paves the way for further advancements in India’s private space sector, opening doors for increased accessibility and innovation in the field.