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Source- This post on Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD) has been created based on the article “Start-up Agnikul launches world’s first rocket with fully 3D-printed engine” published in “The Hindu” on 31 May 2024.
Why in News?
The Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd. recently launched the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) from Sriharikota.
About Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD)
| Aspect | Description |
| About | Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage rocket equipped with the Agnilet engine which is a proprietary technology of AgniKul. |
| Uniqueness | The engine is fully 3D-printed, single-piece, and semi-cryogenic, delivering 6 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust. |
| Launch Mechanism | Unlike conventional sounding rockets that use guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD launches vertically, following a pre-programmed trajectory to execute specific flight maneuvers. |
| Specifications and Capabilities | 1. The rocket can be configured as a single or two-stage launcher, depending on mission requirements. 2. It stands 18 meters tall, weighs 14,000 kg, and is capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kg to an altitude of 700 km in one of five different configurations. 3.The first stage can host up to seven Agnilet engines, fueled by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene. 4. It is designed to be launched from over 10 different launch ports worldwide. 5. AgniKul developed a versatile launch pedestal named ‘Dhanush’ to accommodate various launch sites and this enhances the rocket’s mobility across its configurations. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
