Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited is a startup in the space sector, It is based at the National Center for Combustion ( NCCRD ) at IIT Madras. It is founded by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM in 2017 with seed funds of INR 3 crores from Vishesh Rajaram and Arjun Rao from Speciale Invest.
This new-age startup focuses on launching nano, micro, and small satellites within a week, reliably and affordably. The startup is developing its own small-lift launch 3D printed vehicle “Agnibaan”.
This new-age startup is a passionate group of individuals, including rocket scientists, engineers, programmers, and lawyers. “The name ‘Agnikul’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘gurukul,’ which translates to a place where people learn to use fire,’ symbolizing a space for learning and growth.
Developments of Agnikul Cosmos
This startup is integrating the Agnibaan SOrTeD ( Sub-orbital Technological Demonstrator ) rocket basically it is a single-stage-sounding rocket, powered by an Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed single-piece, semi-cryogenic engine.
An innovation in this launching of the Agnibaan SorTed rocket is that it takes off vertically and follows a predefined trajectory, unlike the traditional sounding rocket that launches from guide rails.
Agnikul Cosmos is developing its main launching rocket “Agnibaan” which is around 18 meters long and able to lift 100 kg of payloads to an altitude of 700 km in 5 different configurations. This rocket is a two-stage rocket and 3rd stage is optional.
Agnibaan is powered by an Agnilet engine, it is a semi-cryogenic and 3D-printed single-piece engine. It is capable of producing 3kN thrust at sea level. This rocket utilizes in-house developed avionics, and all other components, including motor casing and package casing, are single-piece 3D printed bodies manufactured at Agnikul Rocket Factory-1 in IIT-Madras Research Park, Chennai.
Agnibaan is the most flexible rocket in the world because it can accommodate different types of payloads by using 5 different configurations of engines. Currently, Agnikul Cosmos has access to 10+ launching ports and this number will be 25+ soon, this startup will cater to customers from all countries so it also developing launch ports outside of India.
One of the best innovations by Agnikul Cosmos is the development of a mobile launch pedestal ‘Dhanush’ for the Agnibaan rocket, similar to the mobile launchers used by the military on trucks. After the development of this launch pedestal, the launching of satellites can be possible from any suitable location.
This startup has set up India’s first private launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre ( SDSC ) in Srihari Kota, the same as the ISRO facility. This launch pad has two sections first is the Agnikul Launch Pad (ALP) and the other is the Agnikul Mission Control Centre (AMCC) these two sections are 4 km away from each other to ensure safety and 100% operationality.
The Indian government supports space tech startups. India’s share in the satellite launch market is merely 2% of the USD 400 billion global market and the Indian government wants to elevate this USD 4 billion 2040. There is another spacetech startup Skyroot Aerospace which is in direct competition with Agnikul Cosmos. Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its sounding ‘Vikram-S rocket and is now ready for its commercial journey by ‘Vikram-1’ rocket.
Read also Skyroot Aerospace: India’s SpaceX
Read also: Vikram-1: India’s first private orbital class rocket
Leadership of Agnikul Cosmos
This startup is a team of 250 people led by 37 former scientists of ISRO. Srinath Ravichandran is the CEO and Moin SPM is the COO. This startup is also supported by ISRO and In-SPACe.
Read also Pawan Kumar Chandana: Meet the Elon Musk of India
Who is the owner of Agnikul Cosmos?
Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM are the owners.
