For the first time, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has provided a rocket system to support a domestically produced commercial launch vehicle.
With the assistance of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), a single-window autonomous government agency to promote, permit, and oversee private sector space-based activities, Chennai-based space technology startup Agnikul Cosmos received its first flight termination system (FTS) from ISRO on November 7.
The national space agency based here said in a statement that "the official handing over event happened marking the culmination of multiple rounds of interactions about interfacing, handling, and using these systems on Agnikul's launch vehicle, "Agnibaan."
"Additionally, this is the first time a technology formerly utilised to assist ISRO's spacecraft is being given to support an Indian-made private launch vehicle. They want to launch their fully automated sub-orbital launch vehicle from SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota using the package "It read.
Agnikul claims that Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle that may be substantially customised. On November 4, Agnikul Cosmos' rocket engine underwent a hot test at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the ISRO centre in charge of developing launch vehicles.
At the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), Thiruvananthapuram, Vertical Test Facility, VSSC successfully completed the 15-second hot test of the Agnilet Engine.
The test was conducted as part of an MoU between ISRO and Agnikul Cosmos that gave Indian space start-ups the chance to utilise ISRO facilities through IN-SPACe.
Liquid oxygen and aviation turbine fuel are the propellants used in Agnilet, a 1.4 kN semi-cryogenic engine that is cooled by regenerative action. It was said that this engine was created using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
Agnikul had tweeted, "Humbled to report that we successfully test fired one version of our patented technology-based one piece, completely 3D-printed, second stage semi cryo engine - Agnilet - at VSSC.
"This is a significant step for us in learning how to design, produce, and fire rocket engines at a professional level in addition to confirming our in-house technology. Agnikul had a day to remember! ",
Comments