20 March 2024 — Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd, led by CEO Srinath Ravichandran, is poised to launch its Agnibaan rocket on a sub-orbital mission by the end of March pending official approval. This mission marks a significant advancement in India’s private space sector.
The eagerly awaited sub-orbital mission is scheduled to take off from Agnikul’s dedicated launch pad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, situated within ISRO’s rocketport premises. A senior official from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) revealed that Agnikul’s application for permission to conduct the suborbital flight is currently under review.
Mission Details and Capabilities
Named Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), the mission is slated for a launch window between March 22 and March 28. The Agnibaan rocket is designed to transport payloads of up to 300 kg to heights reaching 700 km, powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene.
Agnibaan’s mobility allows access to over 10 launch ports and enables traversing low and high-inclination orbits, showcasing advancements in propulsion technology. The impending mission represents a significant milestone in India’s private space sector, aligning with IN-SPACe’s vision for space exploration in the current fiscal year.
Conclusion
Agnikul’s preparations for the sub-orbital mission highlight the company’s commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities and contributing to the country’s growing presence in space exploration.