The Agnibaan Suborbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) represents a significant milestone for India, being the country's first semi-cryogenic (liquid-fuelled) engine-powered rocket that will serve as the powerhouse for the launch of small satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
The maiden test aims to validate the functionality of the first stage of the rocket, which will propel the vehicle in future missions.
The 18-meter tall, 1.3-meter-wide rocket can carry a maximum payload of 100 kilograms to a 700 km altitude with a lift-off mass of 14,000 kilograms.
Significance of Agnibaan
The rocket will showcase the world's first single-piece 3D-printed engine fuelled by Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene. This sets it apart from traditional sounding rockets, which predominantly use solid fuel.
The launch will take place from India's first private rocket launch pad and mission control centre, which was inaugurated by Agnikul Cosmos at the ISRO spaceport in Sriharikota.
The company is developing a method for launching rockets from a pedestal on the back of a truck, which will make it more flexible and mobile for vertical ascent flight compared to the traditional launch system using guide rails.
The Agnibaan rocket launch is a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey, as it marks the milestone achievement of a privately developed launch vehicle in the country.
The successful launch of the Agnibaan will not only demonstrate India's growing capabilities in the space industry, but also pave the way for commercial, and cost-effective space ventures.
The Agnikul aims to tap into the lucrative multimillion-dollar satellite launch market as India opens its space sector to private investment.