AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited is one of the leading aerospace manufacturers in India with the goals of developing and launching its own small-lift launch vehicle, namely Agnibaan, in 2022. This space technology start-up is based out of the National Centre for Combustion R&D (NCRD) in IIT Madras.
The company was founded by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM within IIT Madras with an initial capital of Rs 3 crore to develop and launch its first rocket, followed by the ability to provide launch services for satellites weighing up to 500 kg. As of December 2020, the company had raised about $4 million in funding and it is now under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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AgniKul designs, manufactures, tests and launches orbital missiles for micro and nanosatellites. The start-up's team comprises a unique combination of scientists, engineers, former bankers and space lawyers.
Women Engineers and Scientists lead AgniKul’s Chief Projects
Engineering is at the heart of what AgniKul Cosmos does. Its teams are led by young women of proven scientific courage and enthusiasm. Uma Maheshwari, Saraniya P and Arushi Chaudhary of the AgniKul Cosmos team are the heads of the company’s ground testing and production team.
Uma Maheshwari single-handedly led Agnilet, the company’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine firing. Saraniya P is the Vehicle Design Lead of Agnibaan. She leads vehicle design at AgniKul – coordinating operations across a highly diverse team base with conflicting needs. Arushi Chaudhary, the Agnibaan Avionics Systems Engineering Lead at AgniKul Cosmos, heads all the avionics systems engineering work at AgniKul.
AgniKul’s very own Launch vehicle – Agnibaan
Agnibaan, which means “arrow of fire”, is a mobile launch system that can lift payloads within a range from 100 km to 700 km. In the first phase, the rocket will be based on the payload of cluster engines in various facilities and use only liquid oxygen or kerosene engines. It is supposed to be manufactured by 3D printing to make the process steady and less costly.
Development of state-of-the-art Affordable Space Engines
In February 2021, AgniKul tested the semi-cryogenic rocket engine Agnilet, which will propel the second stage of the Agnibaan rocket in future. The machine has been developed in one piece using 3D printing with no assembled parts, making it a modern and cost-effective operation for start-ups in the aerospace technology category.
What’s in it for other space tech start-ups?
Several start-ups have grown up in the Indian aerospace and space tech sector, seeking the benefits of the growing global space domain. They have developed innovative technologies, products and services, but lack solid financial, regulatory and policy support.
In 2021, India’s start-up ecosystem for space technology witnessed mega policy support from the government and vast investor interest. After the Indian government opened up the sector to private players, investor interest increased and is expected to be successful.
Under the leadership of ISRO combined with efficient R&D, new space technology players can enter the industry and deliver economical, cost-effective and scientifically successful solutions to India’s space exploration journey.
From the development of local launch vehicles to the launch of India’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) service, from interstellar and reconnaissance missions to space exploration, the list of what lies ahead for start-ups to explore is extensive. Now there is excellent backing for new players to make it through the journey, successfully.
