IIT-M Incubated Startup Agnikul to Test 3D-Printed Engine

• ByStartupStory     |    November 28, 2023

Agnikul Cosmos, an aerospace startup hailing from Chennai and specializing in satellite launch vehicles, is on the verge of a groundbreaking accomplishment. They’re preparing for a pivotal test flight featuring the world’s maiden single-piece 3D-printed engine, slated to take off before the year concludes. This milestone represents a significant leap in aerospace technology, as detailed in a report by the Economic Times.

This upcoming mission holds substantial importance as a technological precursor, mirroring Agnikul’s larger planned orbital launch, set for commercial deployment in 2024, albeit on a smaller scale.

According to Chief Executive Srinath Ravichandran, “We are looking to launch by the end of the year. One test is pending, which will be conducted on our campus at IIT-Madras.” He added, “Once the final reviews with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are complete, we are good to go as the launch vehicle is already at the launch pad.”

Ravichandran stressed the complexity of this endeavor, emphasizing, “This isn’t a sounding rocket and is a complex machine, so we want to get it right in the first attempt.” The company is dedicated to meticulous preparation to ensure the success of this inaugural flight featuring their pioneering 3D-printed engine.

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