Context

Chennai’s space start-up launched its first rocket Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, on 22 March.

Agnibaan Rocket: By Agnikul Cosmos

• Agnibaan Rocket would be India’s second privately developed rocket to be launched. It has been developed by Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited.
• Vikram-S launched in 2022, was India’s first privately-developed rocket which lifted off from the ISRO launch pad in Sriharikota. 
  • It was developed by Hyderabad-based start-up Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, under the mission titled Prarambh.

Key Features of Agniban Rocket-SOrTED:

• Single-Piece 3D printed engine: Agnibaan features the world’s first single piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously, showcasing advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Semi-Cryogenic Engine: It is a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration that will be powered by a semi-cryogenic engine, the Agnilet. 
• Closed-loop feedback guidance feature: This sub-orbital mission employs a complete stack of closed-loop feedback guidance and control, featuring gimballed thrust vector control for precise navigation. 
  • It is not merely a sounding rocket.
• ELaborate Safety Protocols: This is the first private space mission in India to include a flight termination system and a meticulously calculated safety radius, based on extensive worst-case scenario simulations.
• Testing Crucial Spaceflight Components: The mission aims to confirm the functionality of the guidance, control, navigation system, launch release hold mechanism, and other critical operations necessary for full orbital flight, excluding stage separation.

Role of Tamil Nadu in Space Sector

• Development of Minor Parts: Several companies and MSME’s from Tamil Nadu have contributed to the development of minor parts for several prestigious launches, including Chandrayaan-3.
• Vendor Base for ISRO: Tamil Nadu hosts numerous companies that form part of ISRO’s vendor base, providing a wide array of services such as design, R&D, simulation, material and propellant supply, as well as mechanical and structural manufacturing.
• Presence of Notable Private Sector Companies: Prominent private sector players like Agnikul, Data Patterns, and L&T have a significant presence in the state. 
  • For instance, Data Patterns has evolved from a sub-system manufacturer to a complete satellite manufacturer and is a reliable supplier to ISRO. 
  • L&T, operating in Coimbatore, manufactures rocket motors for ISRO. 
  • AgniKul Cosmos, incubated at IIT Madras, is noted for its innovative contributions to the sector.
• Development of Space Parks: Tamil Nadu is bolstering its space sector infrastructure by establishing two new space parks near the upcoming space port in Kulasekarapattinam. 
  • These parks will focus on space-related manufacturing and propellant production, addressing the critical needs of space organizations.