Recently, a start-up named Agnikul Cosmos successfully conducted the first test flight of its rocket ‘Agnibaan’ in a mission called ‘Suborbital Tech Demonstrator’ (SOrTeD). 

About Agnibaan

• A Launch Vehicle: ‘Agnibaan’ is a two-stage, 14-tonne launch vehicle. 
  • The flight was Agnikul’s fifth attempt. 
• Components: Both stages are powered by bespoke semi-cryogenic engines. 
  • The test flight flew a ‘minimal’ version of the rocket with one engine (or stage). 
  • Many of the vehicle’s components, including the engines, are 3D-printed.
• Aim: It was designed to lift small satellites to low-earth orbits. 
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): It encompasses Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less. This orbit is considered near enough to Earth for convenient transportation, communication, observation, and resupply.

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• Significance: 
  • Expansion of India’s Commercial Launch Services: With the test flight, Agnikul took ‘Agnibaan’ on its first steps towards being a full-fledged launch vehicle.
    • It will expand India’s commercial launch services offering in keeping with the expanding market for small satellites and the services they can provide. 
  • Commercial Prospects: The flights of ‘Agnibaan’ and Skyroot’s ‘Vikram’ in 2022 herald two prospects more valuable than commercial fortune. 
  • Accelerating Innovation: These startups are lighting the way for ISRO and others, potentially accelerating innovation in the sector. 
    • For example, ISRO has been testing a semi-cryogenic engine of its own that could draw from lessons learnt at Agnikul. 
  • Enhancement of Power: Agnikul said that it will be able to build one rocket a month. 
• Advancements Required: Agnikul needs to address the subpar communication of the parameters of the test flight. This is one area in which ISRO has not distinguished itself and it is important for new space startups to steer clear of the same mold.

Role of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• Domination: The roster is currently dominated by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and will soon be joined by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, both of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
• Support Provider: ISRO and/or scientists trained there have shared technical know-how and provided physical systems for many private missions, which these startups are now testing, cutting short the time and expenses required. 

The Path Ahead

• Encouragement for Free Flow of Knowledge: The government must ensure that the corresponding bureaucratic and legal frameworks encourage the free flow of knowledge. 
  • Example: Recently, ISRO said, it had developed engine nozzles made of a carbon-carbon composite to replace the Columbium alloy nozzles on the PSLV’s fourth stage. 
  • The switch increased PSLV’s payload capacity by 15 kg, a significant amount for an already technologically mature launch vehicle, made possible by education and research opportunities that allowed know-how accrued in some sectors to disperse in others. 
• Need for more Innovation: As more innovation enters the fray, it is hoped that the resulting solutions and insights will benefit everything, from aerospace to zoology.

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