Summary:
Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, has invested in Agnikul Cosmos, a rising Indian space startup. Last week, Agnikul made history by launching Agnibaan sorted, the world’s first rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The rocket, designed to carry payloads up to 300 kg to low Earth orbit, achieved several technological milestones, including using Linux-based flight computers and aviation-grade jet fuel. Mahindra expressed his pride and optimism for Agnikul on social media, highlighting the talent and innovation driving India’s private space sector. Agnikul Cosmos, incubated at IIT Madras, aims for an orbital mission by 2025, symbolizing the promising future of Indian aerospace innovation.
Mumbai, June 8, 2024 – Renowned Indian industrialist and chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, has thrown his weight behind Agnikul Cosmos, a space startup that recently made headlines with its groundbreaking launch. Mahindra’s endorsement and investment come at a pivotal moment as Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched Agnibaan SOrTeD, the world’s first rocket featuring a fully 3D-printed engine.
On Monday, Mahindra took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his excitement and reveal his investment in the Chennai-based startup. His message highlighted the significant technological achievements and the promising potential of young Indian talent in the aerospace sector. “You’ll see a rocket lifting off. You’ll also see the talent of young Indians lifting off… They’re my #MondayMotivation (Disclosure: I’m an investor in @AgnikulCosmos),” Mahindra tweeted.
A Historic Milestone
The milestone event occurred last Thursday when Agnikul’s Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket launched from the Dhanush launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch, which took place at 7:15 a.m. IST from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) rocket port, marked India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket’s successful lift-off. This achievement not only underscores Agnikul Cosmos’ innovative capabilities but also signifies India’s growing prowess in the private space sector.
Rocket Details and Capabilities
The Agnibaan SOrTeD is a two-stage rocket designed to carry payloads of up to 300 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or even up to 700 km. This rocket employs a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene as its propellants, and it is equipped with sophisticated in-house designed data acquisition systems and flight computers. The flight was meticulously controlled with an autopilot, achieving a burn time of 65 seconds, a testament to the precise engineering and cutting-edge technology developed by the team at Agnikul.
Agnibaan’s launch also stands out for several technological firsts. It was the inaugural launch in India using Linux-based computers to control the flight and utilized aviation-grade jet fuel in conjunction with industrial-grade liquid oxygen. These advancements highlight Agnikul Cosmos’ commitment to pioneering new frontiers in rocketry.
Incubated Innovation
Agnikul Cosmos, which began its journey as a project incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, has rapidly risen to prominence in the global space community. The startup’s vision includes not only perfecting its current rocket technologies but also aiming for more ambitious goals. By 2025, Agnikul plans to launch its first orbital mission, a significant step towards establishing a robust and versatile space launch capability.
A Vision for the Future
Anand Mahindra’s investment and public endorsement reflect broader confidence in India’s burgeoning space sector. As private companies like Agnikul Cosmos push the envelope of what’s possible, they are also paving the way for increased participation and innovation in space exploration. Mahindra’s enthusiastic support suggests that the convergence of seasoned industrial leadership and pioneering technology startups could catalyze a new era of aerospace achievements for India.
Agnikul Cosmos’ journey from a nascent startup to a trailblazer in space technology exemplifies the dynamic potential of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. With the support of visionary investors like Anand Mahindra, the sky is truly no limit for the new wave of Indian aerospace innovation.
