India\u2019s own space startup is ready to launch its sub-orbital rocket. Agnikul Cosmos is set to achieve a significant milestone from Sriharikota on Friday. It is to test-fire its rocket named Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator), which weighs 580 kilograms and reach a height of 20 kilometers above Earth before descending into the Bay of Bengal. It is also learned to be carrying payloads of up to 7 kilograms.<\/p>\n
Agnibaan SOrTeD is equipped with a semi-cryogenic engine using kerosene and medical-grade liquid oxygen. The technology has been developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and for the first time being tested by Agnikul, a startup that was founded in 2017 by two young aerospace engineers.<\/p>\n
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), hailed the initiative of Agnikul and called it a bold innovation.<\/p>\n
Agnikul\u2019s rocket boasts a single-piece 3D-printed engine and this innovation reduces quality testing time significantly. It is cheaper as well as more accessible. Moreover, the use of commercially available fuel and liquid oxygen makes launching rockets easier and cost-effective.<\/p>\n
Agnikul has simultaneously been granted permission to build a special launch pad near the sea on the Sriharikota Island. The infrastructure will also be equipped with its own control room. This is a significant step in the efforts of ISRO to facilitate the growth of Indian space companies.<\/p>\n
Mr. Moin, co-founder of Agnikul, stated that they are commitment to safety and simultaneously highlighted the precautions taken for the controlled flight of their rocket.<\/p>\n
The startup aims to revolutionize satellite launches and offer fully customizable as well as transportable launch vehicles for small satellites to Low Earth Orbits (LEO).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"