Significance of the successful test flight of Agnibaan

Source: The post the successful test flight of Agnikul Cosmos’s rocket, Agnibaan has been created, based on the article “Splash back:Private rocket flights herald prospects more valuable than commercial fortune” published in “The Hindu” on 1st June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-science and technology-Awareness in the fields of Space

News: The article discusses the successful test flight of Agnikul Cosmos’s rocket, Agnibaan, on May 30. It highlights Agnikul’s role in advancing India’s commercial space capabilities, compares its progress with ISRO’s developments, and underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in enhancing space technology in India.

What is Agnibaan?

1. Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle designed by Agnikul Cosmos.
2. It weighs 14 tonnes and is built to lift small satellites to low-earth orbits.

3.Both stages of Agnibaan are powered by semi-cryogenic engines.

4. Many components, including the engines, are 3D-printed.
5. Agnikul plans to produce one rocket per month.
6. The first test flight, named ‘Suborbital Tech Demonstrator’ (SOrTeD), occurred on May 30 after four previous attempts were canceled due to suboptimal conditions.

This success marks a step forward in India’s commercial space services.

What challenges does Agnikul face?

1. Launch Attempt Failures: Agnikul faced significant challenges with its initial attempts, having to cancel the first four due to suboptimal launch conditions before successfully conducting the test flight.
2. Communication of Flight Parameters: A specific area where Agnikul needs to improve is the communication regarding the parameters of its test flights. This has been a challenge not just for Agnikul but also for ISRO, suggesting it’s a broader issue in India’s space sector that needs addressing.

How does this affect India’s space industry?

1. Expansion of Launch Services: Agnikul’s successful test flight of Agnibaan aims to expand India’s commercial launch services. This market is currently dominated by ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and Agnikul’s entry caters to the growing market for small satellites.
2. Innovation Through Collaboration: The collaboration between ISRO and startups like Agnikul speeds up innovation. For example, shared technical knowledge from ISRO has helped reduce time and costs for private missions.
3. Enhanced Payload Capacities: Innovations like ISRO’s new carbon-carbon composite nozzles increase payload capacities, demonstrating the benefits of technological advancements.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Agnikul Cosmos’s successful test flight of Agnibaan for India’s commercial space capabilities.