In a groundbreaking achievement, Agnibaan SOrTeD has successfully completed its first flight, marking a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning private space sector. The mission, dubbed Mission 01, was launched from the country’s first and only private launchpad within the SDSC-SHAR facility at Sriharikota.
The flight, which involved a controlled vertical ascent, met all mission objectives with nominal performance. This accomplishment highlights the potential for private players in India to innovate and lead in space technology.
The vehicle, designed entirely in-house, is notable for being powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed engine and is also the first in India to feature a semi-cryogenic engine.
Agnibaan SOrTeD, a SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator, is a single-stage rocket powered by the Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
Unlike traditional sounding rockets that launch from guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD lifts off vertically and follows a predetermined trajectory, performing a precisely orchestrated set of maneuvers during flight. This innovative approach sets a new standard in rocket design and performance.
One of the systems that differentiates a ground test fire from actual flight is the autopilot. The gimbaling system, characterized and tested at Agnibaan’s own in-loop facility, allows the autopilot to rotate the thrust effectively, ensuring precise control during the mission.
The mission control room at SDSC SHAR was designed based on rehearsals performed in a stand-alone setup that replicates the actual mission control environment.
This facility enabled seamless remote operations from Agnikul’s launchpad, demonstrating the team’s advanced capabilities in mission management and control.
This pioneering mission was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Agnibaan’s team and the invaluable support from IN-SPACe, ISRO, and IIT Madras.
The success of this flight demonstrates the capability of private enterprises to develop and launch original space technology in India, showcasing a new era of innovation and achievement in the nation’s aerospace industry.
The accomplishment is a testament to the spirit of “Made in India for the World,” setting a new benchmark for future private space missions.
