Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos made global history when its Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) successfully lifted off from Sriharikota. This wasn’t just another test flight—it marked the first-ever launch of a rocket powered by a fully 3D-printed engine, a breakthrough in private space technology both in India and worldwide.
The mission wasn’t without suspense. Just days before, a launch attempt was aborted at T-minus 11 seconds. But CEO Srinath Ravichandran remained unfazed, telling early investor Vishesh Rajaram with quiet confidence, “Come tomorrow, we’ll launch.” And launch they did.
Engineering a Revolution
Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM, Agnikul was incubated at IIT Madras Research Park. With a team of 200 engineers, the startup has developed cutting-edge technology that simplifies rocket production and operations. Professor Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, a key advisor from IIT-M, describes Agnibaan’s engine as “the world’s most integrated single-shot 3D-printed piece”, enabling rapid rocket assembly at an unparalleled speed.
What Makes Agnibaan Special?
- First-of-its-kind 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine – reducing complexity and production time.
- Fuel-efficient design – uses aviation-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen, making it easily refuelable.
- Indigenous private launchpad – Agnikul built Dhanush, its own launch facility at Sriharikota in 2022.
A Startup Backed by Deep-Tech Investors
With $67 million in funding, Agnikul has attracted top investors like Celesta Capital, Mayfield, Rocketship, Pi Ventures, and Speciale Invest. The company is now in talks to commercialize its launch vehicles, targeting the booming low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market.
The Future of Agnikul
Beyond this historic flight, Agnikul is scaling up operations. It has set up its own rocket engine factory, with an ambitious goal: to produce a rocket engine in just days. As the space economy expands, Agnikul aims to be at the forefront of affordable, rapid, and scalable satellite launches.
With groundbreaking innovation and global ambitions, Agnikul Cosmos is propelling India into a new era of space exploration.
