Agnikul Cosmos, a space startup based in India, had to delay the first-ever launch of its Agnibaan rocket once again due to technical issues. This postponement happened during the final pre-launch checks. This rocket was initially delayed last month without a clear explanation. The company’s aim aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of privatizing and commercializing the space sector in India.
The Agnibaan rocket is pivotal as it marks India’s second private rocket launch, following Skyroot’s Vikram-S rocket launch in 2022. However, it’s facing setbacks reminiscent of the challenges faced by other space startups. For instance, Japan’s Space One experienced an explosion during the inaugural launch of its Kairos rocket, attempting to place a satellite into orbit.
The Agnibaan rocket is designed as a customizable, two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 300 kg into an orbit approximately 700 km above Earth’s surface. This mission is crucial for India, showcasing a significant technological advancement, especially since the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hasn’t yet achieved success with a semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a combination of liquid and gas propellants.
This delay notwithstanding, there’s a growing global interest in launching small satellites, weighing up to 500 kg, for various purposes like enhancing technology, precise climate monitoring, and providing internet connectivity to remote areas. Many companies, from major tech giants to startups worldwide, are investing in satellite technology for these purposes.
