World’s 1st 3D-printed engine-powered rocket flies successfully in India
A private space firm in India has successfully tested a rocket with the world’s first fully 3D-printed rocket engine.
India has been slowly making its place on the list of countries developing the world’s most advanced and cost-efficient space technologies.
In August 2023, it became the first nation to successfully land on the lunar south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission. The entire mission’s budget stood at $75 million.
As for the recent development, a firm named Agnikul Cosmos carried out the development and launch, achieving this feat in its fifth attempt. The test also marks the first time a rocket powered by a semi-cryogenic engine completed a test flight in India.
“Elated at the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD by @AgnikulCosmos! A historic moment for India’s space sector. Powered by the world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, this achievement showcases the brilliance of our young innovators,” Dr Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe responsible for coordinating with the private space sector, said on X.
Agnikul Cosmos keeping rocket costs in check
The team at Agnikul turned to the 3D printing process to keep costs in check. Typically, in a rocket engine, hundreds of separate engine parts need to be consolidated into a single piece.
Apart from being economical, 3D printing also streamlines manufacturing and reduces assembly time.
These help to further a key objective for the company as it endeavors to provide cost-effective launch solutions tailored to the needs of small satellite missions.
Agnilet, the startup’s engine, is crafted entirely through 3D printing. It seamlessly integrates thousands of meticulously designed components into a single unit.
This innovative propulsion system generates approximately 3kN of thrust at sea level, powering the higher stage of the Agnibaan spacecraft.
“We use 3D printing extensively to manufacture the critical parts of Agnibaan such as engines, pumps, motor casings, and package casing,” according to the firm’s website.
Agnikul manufactures these parts at its facility, Factory-1 in Chennai, which can produce two rocket engines in a week. This enables the firm to develop one launch vehicle every month.
To advance its more affordable and frequent launch mission, the firm has also developed India’s first private launchpad at the country’s space agency’s (ISRO) facility in Sriharikota in the south.
Sets stage for orbital journey
The launch by Agnikul also marked the first time an Indian-made rocket featured a semi-cryogenic engine.
The Agnilet engine employs sub-cooled oxygen as its fuel source. In contrast, cryogenic engines, like those utilized in the upper stages of ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, LVM3, utilize gases liquefied at exceptionally low temperatures as their fuel.
The launch vehicle, equipped with its mobile launchpad Dhanush, is engineered for versatility, enabling launches from any site. According to the Indian Express, although the recent launch was suborbital, the vehicle’s capabilities extend to carrying payloads ranging from 66 pounds (30 kilograms) to 661 pounds (300 kilograms).
Agnikul’s mission achieved its intended altitude of about 8 kilometers before falling into the sea. “This is the culmination of 1000s of hours of reviews and hard work by the team. We are blessed to have had the opportunity and the full support of IN-SPACe and ISRO to design and build original space worthy hardware in India,” said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, in a statement.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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World’s 1st 3D-printed engine-powered rocket flies successfully in India