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Rocket business is a logistics business: Agnikul Cosmos' Srinath Ravichandran
AgniKul Cosmos - Updates & Activities
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Swesh
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Agnikul co-founder Srinath Ravichandran told TOI: “We are targeting the sub-orbital flight before the end of this year, and we will soon make an announcement. The FTS delivery is a big step towards a guided, controlled flight, which needs to have the right safety mechanisms in place.”
m.timesofindia.com
Agnikul eyes first launch by end of this year - Times of India
Science News: Space startup Agnikul Cosmos, which received a key system from Isro earlier this month, is targeting its first sub-orbital mission by the end of this
m.timesofindia.com
Swesh
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Most likely single engine agniban itself just 2stage rocket
Swesh
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Agnikul Cosmos plans commercial launch of Agnibaan around March 2023
Agnikul Cosmos is planning a test launch of its two-stage booster Agnibaan in December 2022. And, based on the findings of the test launch, the startup plans to conduct a commercial launch with customer payloads in March or April 2023, co-founder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran said.
From left: AgniKul Cosmos co-founder and COO Moin SPM and CEO Srinath Ravichandran
Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space tech startup, is planning a full-scale commercial launch of their rocket Agnibaan in March/April 2023, according to co-founder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran.
Agnilet, the startup's single-piece 3D-printed engine, was recently successfully tested at the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
The startup is planning a test launch of its two-stage booster Agnibaan in December 2022. And, based on the findings of the test launch, the startup plans to conduct a commercial launch with customer payloads in March or April 2023, Ravichandran said.
"There are a lot of people who have expressed interest to be part of the launch. So I think once our test is done, we will start converting them into like actual contracts," Ravichandran said.
Ravichandran and Moin SPM, an operations specialist, founded the IIT Madras-incubated startup in 2017. It has raised $15 million to date, including $11 million in a Series A round last year backed by investors like venture capital firm Mayfield India and angel investors Anand Mahindra
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, ISRO announced that it has delivered a flight termination system (FTS) to Agnikul Cosmos for Agnibaan on November 7 after rounds of interactions about interfacing, handling etc.
This was also the first time for a system used for ISRO's vehicles to be supplied for a private launch vehicle built in India.. The package will be used for their fully controlled sub-orbital launcher, scheduled to launch from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
Engine test at ISRO
To put this in context, this is not the first time Agnikul Cosmos has tested its engine Agnilet. Unlike other rocket engines, Agnilet was built in a single step, eliminating the thousands of parts that are typically assembled in a conventional rocket engine; and they recently obtained a patent for the engine.
Previously, the startup successfully test-fired the engine at their own facility in IIT Madras in early 2021. The latest test, however, is more significant for Agnikul Cosmos since it is conducted at ISRO's facility.
"This test sort of taught us how to do it professionally at the level and at the quality at which an organisation like ISRO would conduct tests. This was a huge learning experience for us as well," Ravichandran said.
Ravichandran, a Wall Street trader turned aerospace engineer, explained that after building rocket engines, they must be tested under various operating conditions, burn times, and so on.
"So we actually built this engine and tested an older version in 2021 at IIT Madras. But we were very keen on doing this at ISRO. Because, the target was to get the same numbers (performance indicators) that we got when we conducted the tests at our facility," he explained.
"That's what we achieved here. We got the exact same results in the ISRO test when compared to the test conducted at our facility," he added.
December test launch and beyond
With the engine passing the ISRO test with flying colours, the startup will now focus on its test launch, which will help in validating other necessary technologies.
"Beyond the engine, you need other things for a launch. We have calibrated our test launch in a way that will validate a lot of technologies such as dynamics, avionics, navigation and so on. We'll see how that goes," he said.
Based on the results of the test launch, Agnikul Cosmos 'should be ready' for a full-scale commercial launch, he added.
On Skyroot Aerospace's planned launch
Hyderabad-based space technology company Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram S will be the first privately-manufactured rocket to launch from the country between November 12 and 16.
However, according to Ravichandran, the planned launch of Agnikul Cosmos will "look and feel quite different." Unlike Skyroot Aerospace's engine, which uses solid fuel, Agnikul Cosmos's engines are semi-cryogenic and utilise liquid propulsion, he explained.
The difference between the two startups also lies in their offerings. "Skyroot Aerospace operate in a higher satellite class. I wouldn't say there's direct competition -- there could be some overlap in the market. But we are catering towards small satellites which directly feel the pain point of going to space," he said.
Overall, Ravichandran sees this planned launch as a testament to the government's efforts to enable private launching in India.
In-SPACE's help
The Indian government established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACE) in 2020 as a single-window autonomous agency under the Department of Space.
Over the last year or so, the regulator has emerged as a focal point for easing communication, integration, and permission-related complexities between government and private space players.
This was also evident in Agnikul Cosmos' engine test at VSSC.
"To conduct any test with and at ISRO, a lot of interfaces have to be figured out. There is a lot of effort involved in making sure that an engine which has been made in some other place can interface with ISRO's test facilities," Ravichandran said.
As a result, there is a lot of back and forth, paperwork, and so on, he explained.
Three key players were involved in this test: the Department of Space, ISRO, and Agnikul Cosmos. In-SPACE ensured that Agnikul Cosmos had everything necessary for ISRO to allow the startup to test at their facility. It also ensured that the startup's requirements in relation to the test were met.
"So there is no framework that's available for taking some engineering hardware that has not been built at ISRO to test at an ISRO facility. So there needs to be a lot of interfacing and In-SPACE has become t
Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space tech startup, is planning a full-scale commercial launch of their rocket Agnibaan in March/April 2023, according to co-founder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran.
Agnilet, the startup's single-piece 3D-printed engine, was recently successfully tested at the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
The startup is planning a test launch of its two-stage booster Agnibaan in December 2022. And, based on the findings of the test launch, the startup plans to conduct a commercial launch with customer payloads in March or April 2023, Ravichandran said.
"There are a lot of people who have expressed interest to be part of the launch. So I think once our test is done, we will start converting them into like actual contracts," Ravichandran said.
Ravichandran and Moin SPM, an operations specialist, founded the IIT Madras-incubated startup in 2017. It has raised $15 million to date, including $11 million in a Series A round last year backed by investors like venture capital firm Mayfield India and angel investors Anand Mahindra
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, ISRO announced that it has delivered a flight termination system (FTS) to Agnikul Cosmos for Agnibaan on November 7 after rounds of interactions about interfacing, handling etc.
This was also the first time for a system used for ISRO's vehicles to be supplied for a private launch vehicle built in India.. The package will be used for their fully controlled sub-orbital launcher, scheduled to launch from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
Engine test at ISRO
To put this in context, this is not the first time Agnikul Cosmos has tested its engine Agnilet. Unlike other rocket engines, Agnilet was built in a single step, eliminating the thousands of parts that are typically assembled in a conventional rocket engine; and they recently obtained a patent for the engine.
Previously, the startup successfully test-fired the engine at their own facility in IIT Madras in early 2021. The latest test, however, is more significant for Agnikul Cosmos since it is conducted at ISRO's facility.
"This test sort of taught us how to do it professionally at the level and at the quality at which an organisation like ISRO would conduct tests. This was a huge learning experience for us as well," Ravichandran said.
Ravichandran, a Wall Street trader turned aerospace engineer, explained that after building rocket engines, they must be tested under various operating conditions, burn times, and so on.
"So we actually built this engine and tested an older version in 2021 at IIT Madras. But we were very keen on doing this at ISRO. Because, the target was to get the same numbers (performance indicators) that we got when we conducted the tests at our facility," he explained.
"That's what we achieved here. We got the exact same results in the ISRO test when compared to the test conducted at our facility," he added.
December test launch and beyond
With the engine passing the ISRO test with flying colours, the startup will now focus on its test launch, which will help in validating other necessary technologies.
"Beyond the engine, you need other things for a launch. We have calibrated our test launch in a way that will validate a lot of technologies such as dynamics, avionics, navigation and so on. We'll see how that goes," he said.
Based on the results of the test launch, Agnikul Cosmos 'should be ready' for a full-scale commercial launch, he added.
On Skyroot Aerospace's planned launch
Hyderabad-based space technology company Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram S will be the first privately-manufactured rocket to launch from the country between November 12 and 16.
However, according to Ravichandran, the planned launch of Agnikul Cosmos will "look and feel quite different." Unlike Skyroot Aerospace's engine, which uses solid fuel, Agnikul Cosmos's engines are semi-cryogenic and utilise liquid propulsion, he explained.
The difference between the two startups also lies in their offerings. "Skyroot Aerospace operate in a higher satellite class. I wouldn't say there's direct competition -- there could be some overlap in the market. But we are catering towards small satellites which directly feel the pain point of going to space," he said.
Overall, Ravichandran sees this planned launch as a testament to the government's efforts to enable private launching in India.
In-SPACE's help
The Indian government established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACE) in 2020 as a single-window autonomous agency under the Department of Space.
Over the last year or so, the regulator has emerged as a focal point for easing communication, integration, and permission-related complexities between government and private space players.
This was also evident in Agnikul Cosmos' engine test at VSSC.
"To conduct any test with and at ISRO, a lot of interfaces have to be figured out. There is a lot of effort involved in making sure that an engine which has been made in some other place can interface with ISRO's test facilities," Ravichandran said.
As a result, there is a lot of back and forth, paperwork, and so on, he explained.
Three key players were involved in this test: the Department of Space, ISRO, and Agnikul Cosmos. In-SPACE ensured that Agnikul Cosmos had everything necessary for ISRO to allow the startup to test at their facility. It also ensured that the startup's requirements in relation to the test were met.
"So there is no framework that's available for taking some engineering hardware that has not been built at ISRO to test at an ISRO facility. So there needs to be a lot of interfacing and In-SPACE has become t
Swesh
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The startup is planning a test launch of its two-stage booster Agnibaan in December 2022. And, based on the findings of the test launch, the startup plans to conduct a commercial launch with customer payloads in March or April 2023, Ravichandran said.
Vamsi
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So, it's not sub-orbital flight??
Swesh
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In March/April it is most likely orbital launch
Vamsi
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How will they do commercial launch in first orbital launch itself?
Swesh
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I will post about party that's involved when info available
Swesh
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But they have involved forigen space agency earlier back in 2020 they signed MoU with amarican launch spaceport to launch their rocket from there.
Swesh
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If December launch is a two-stage rocket, it will definitely be orbital.
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AgniKul though hasn't given plans for bigger rockets already like Skyroot but it certainly has higher thrust liquid fueled engines, has announced intention to cluster them (to make a bigger rocket). That experience might excel ahead of any Indian space company in a short period of time.
Since, they even have already a commercial mission booked in March, I would call them ahead of curve of Skyroot already.
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From their website
Agnikul
Agnikul Cosmos is building launch vehicles capable of taking micro and nanosatellites to Low Earth Orbit, on-demand. Agnikul believes that getting to space shouldn't be the hardest part of living & working from space.
agnikul.in
So that'd be a perfect mobile launcher for quick services. May even kill DRDO's DSLV VEDA Project? @Swesh @ezsasa @Vamsi
Alamarathan
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Hmm Electric pump fed,interestingFrom their website
View attachment 182825View attachment 182826View attachment 182827View attachment 182828Agnikul
Agnikul Cosmos is building launch vehicles capable of taking micro and nanosatellites to Low Earth Orbit, on-demand. Agnikul believes that getting to space shouldn't be the hardest part of living & working from space.
So that'd be a perfect mobile launcher for quick services. May even kill DRDO's DSLV VEDA Project? @Swesh @ezsasa @Vamsi
What kinda battery they are using to power these puppies?
@Vamsi
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DRDO could also finish developing Veda and give ToT to agnikul.From their website
View attachment 182825View attachment 182826View attachment 182827View attachment 182828Agnikul
Agnikul Cosmos is building launch vehicles capable of taking micro and nanosatellites to Low Earth Orbit, on-demand. Agnikul believes that getting to space shouldn't be the hardest part of living & working from space.
So that'd be a perfect mobile launcher for quick services. May even kill DRDO's DSLV VEDA Project? @Swesh @ezsasa @Vamsi
but in all likelihood, GoI will keep their options open with themselves, since it is a strategic delivery vehicle. Veda comes into play when there are dire geopolitical circumstances. rest of the peacetimes, agnibaan will have it's market.
Swesh
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India’s first private rocket launchpad gets ready
“The launch pad work commenced six months ago and is nearing completion. It’s a miniature launch facility customised to suit our requirements.
Published: 19th November 2022 05:39 AM | Last Updated: 19th November 2022 05:39 AM | A+A A-
By SV Krishna Chaitanya
Express News Service
CHENNAI: While the country is celebrating the successful launch of Vikram-S rocket, India’s first private rocket, another spacetech company from Chennai, Agnikul Cosmos, incubated by IIT-Madras, is quietly building India’s first private launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for its maiden rocket launch tentatively scheduled for next month.
“The launch pad work commenced six months ago and is nearing completion. It’s a miniature launch facility customised to suit our requirements. Unlike Skyroot, we can’t use ISRO’s sounding rocket complex or use PSLV/GSLV launch pads due to their sheer gigantic size for our Agnibaan rocket which will use our patented semi-cryogenic engine. We needed a modular launch pad with an umbilical tower to support the vertical launch that we are planning,” Srinath Ravichandran, CEO and co-founder, Agnikul Cosmos, told TNIE.
ISRO chairman S Somanath said the space agency welcomes private players to build infrastructure, including launch pads, at Sriharikota. “It all depends on the demand. If there is a need for more launch pads, private players are free to synergise. The space reforms introduced in 2020 were not only meant for manufacturing rockets, it can also be for ramping up infrastructure.” On why it took considerable time for the launch of Agnibaan, Srinath said, “Ours is a completely different technology.”
‘Full scale flight after successful Agnibaan launch in December’
“We will be flying a patented semi-cryogenic engine. This will be happening for the first time in the country. Unlike Skyroot’s mission, Agnibaan launch will be a near orbital flight. Though our maiden flight will also be a sub-orbital mission, the vehicle has higher capability. We just wanted to test our actual orbital flight at a smaller scale. Once the December launch is successful, we will be going for a full-scale orbital flight very shortly because almost all the systems that we will be using in an orbital flight will be tested starting from engine tanks, avionics, and flight software etc,” Srinath said.
Another difference between Vikram-S and Agnibaan is that the latter will be a controlled flight. Agnibaan will also be using a Flight Termination System supplied by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This would be the first time a system used by ISRO for its vehicles will be used for supporting a private launch vehicle built in India.
Srinath said that the credit for private space entities making rapid strides in the sector goes to the Union government, ISRO and IN-SPACe as they have opened up their facilities and expertise for development of private space launch vehicles
“The launch pad work commenced six months ago and is nearing completion. It’s a miniature launch facility customised to suit our requirements.
Published: 19th November 2022 05:39 AM | Last Updated: 19th November 2022 05:39 AM | A+A A-
By SV Krishna Chaitanya
Express News Service
CHENNAI: While the country is celebrating the successful launch of Vikram-S rocket, India’s first private rocket, another spacetech company from Chennai, Agnikul Cosmos, incubated by IIT-Madras, is quietly building India’s first private launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for its maiden rocket launch tentatively scheduled for next month.
“The launch pad work commenced six months ago and is nearing completion. It’s a miniature launch facility customised to suit our requirements. Unlike Skyroot, we can’t use ISRO’s sounding rocket complex or use PSLV/GSLV launch pads due to their sheer gigantic size for our Agnibaan rocket which will use our patented semi-cryogenic engine. We needed a modular launch pad with an umbilical tower to support the vertical launch that we are planning,” Srinath Ravichandran, CEO and co-founder, Agnikul Cosmos, told TNIE.
ISRO chairman S Somanath said the space agency welcomes private players to build infrastructure, including launch pads, at Sriharikota. “It all depends on the demand. If there is a need for more launch pads, private players are free to synergise. The space reforms introduced in 2020 were not only meant for manufacturing rockets, it can also be for ramping up infrastructure.” On why it took considerable time for the launch of Agnibaan, Srinath said, “Ours is a completely different technology.”
‘Full scale flight after successful Agnibaan launch in December’
“We will be flying a patented semi-cryogenic engine. This will be happening for the first time in the country. Unlike Skyroot’s mission, Agnibaan launch will be a near orbital flight. Though our maiden flight will also be a sub-orbital mission, the vehicle has higher capability. We just wanted to test our actual orbital flight at a smaller scale. Once the December launch is successful, we will be going for a full-scale orbital flight very shortly because almost all the systems that we will be using in an orbital flight will be tested starting from engine tanks, avionics, and flight software etc,” Srinath said.
Another difference between Vikram-S and Agnibaan is that the latter will be a controlled flight. Agnibaan will also be using a Flight Termination System supplied by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This would be the first time a system used by ISRO for its vehicles will be used for supporting a private launch vehicle built in India.
Srinath said that the credit for private space entities making rapid strides in the sector goes to the Union government, ISRO and IN-SPACe as they have opened up their facilities and expertise for development of private space launch vehicles
Vamsi
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payload limitations,only 100Kg to 700KM SSO, not enough for small military sat, should be atleast 300KgFrom their website
View attachment 182825View attachment 182826View attachment 182827View attachment 182828Agnikul
Agnikul Cosmos is building launch vehicles capable of taking micro and nanosatellites to Low Earth Orbit, on-demand. Agnikul believes that getting to space shouldn't be the hardest part of living & working from space.
So that'd be a perfect mobile launcher for quick services. May even kill DRDO's DSLV VEDA Project? @Swesh @ezsasa @Vamsi
Vamsi
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Li-ion batteries
