Agnikul, a space launch vehicle startup based in Chennai, India, has achieved a major milestone in the global space industry. On May 30, the company successfully test-fired its first technology demonstrator rocket, Agnibaan, powered by a single-piece 3D printed engine. The success marks a major step forward not only for the Indian private space industry but also internationally.

Journey to Success

A few days before Agnibaan was to make its test flight, the launch was aborted at T-11 seconds. However, the persistence of the Agnikul team helped them quickly overcome the technical issues and send the rocket into space. Vishesh Rajaram, one of the first investors in Agnikul through Speciale Invest, recalls the moment after the aborted launch when co-founder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran confidently said, “We will launch tomorrow.” And sure enough, just days later, Agnibaan successfully took off.

A historic test

The test lasted less than a minute, but it was enough to demonstrate the capabilities of Agnibaan. The rocket reached an altitude of about 8 km before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal. The event marked a major milestone in Agnikul’s journey, proving that their single-piece 3D-printed engine could function correctly on the first try. It was a testament to the innovation and cutting-edge engineering of the 200-strong team of engineers, led by co-founders Ravichandran and Moin SPM, his long-time cricketing friend.

From Idea to Reality

Agnikul was founded with the aim of providing a flexible and cost-effective satellite launch solution. In 2019, the company received its first investment from Speciale Invest, when the founding team was just three members. According to Rajaram, the decision to invest in Agnikul was not only based on the technology but also on the belief in the founding team and their vision.

Global Significance

Agnikul’s success has opened a new chapter not only for the Indian space industry but also for the world. The single-piece 3D printed engine significantly reduces manufacturing costs and assembly time, while also providing greater flexibility for space missions.

With this milestone, Agnikul is one step closer to its goal of becoming one of the leading private satellite launch vehicle companies. Their success is a testament to their innovation, perseverance, and long-term vision in the field of space exploration.