Latest news with #Agnikul
India Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Agnikul Cosmos successfully test fires engine to power Agnibaan rocket
Agnikul Cosmos, the Chennai-based private space startup, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine, which will power its upcoming Agnibaan launch breakthrough, announced on Friday, marks a major leap for India's rapidly evolving private space sector and places Agnikul at the forefront of propulsion technology engine's most notable feature is its electric motor-driven throttling system, which enables precise control over thrust by varying the speed of the electric This capability allows for higher accuracy and rapid response—critical for managing complex flight trajectories and mission requirements. During the test, the engine was throttled across a wide range of thrust levels, demonstrating the flexibility and reliability of the technology. Unlike conventional rocket engines that rely on gas generators or turbopumps, Agnikul's semi-cryogenic engine uses an electric motor to power the pumps that circulate propellants—a combination of liquid oxygen (cryogenic oxidizer) and refined kerosene (non-cryogenic fuel).This approach is not only more efficient but also allows for easier integration of advanced control signature single-piece engine design remains central to this new system. Many of the engine's pump subsystems were 3D-printed and assembled at the company's AS9100D-certified Rocket Factory-1, located at the IIT Madras Research Park in motor drives and associated control software were also designed and developed entirely successful test is a key step toward firing a cluster of these engines together, a crucial requirement for powering the Agnibaan which can be configured to carry payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, is designed to serve the growing demand for affordable and customisable satellite launches.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Agnikul ignites India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine
Spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully fired India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine , cofounder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran announced on Friday. Ravichandran shared a video of the engine being throttled to different levels of thrust by varying the speed of the electric motor. Electric motor-driven throttling allows for higher accuracy and rapid response, which is important for handling complex trajectories, Ravichandran wrote in a social media post. Also, regarding flight readiness, this test is a key milestone towards firing a cluster of engines together. The new electric motor-driven system continues to use Agnikul's single-piece 3D-printed engine , Ravichandran wrote. Along with the patented engine, many subsystems of the pump were also 3D-printed and assembled at the company's Rocket Factory-1 facility, the CEO said, adding that the motor drives and associated control software were also fully designed and developed in-house. Live Events Agnikul Cosmos won the Top Innovator award at the Economic Times Startup Awards in 2020. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories In May last year, Agnikul successfully carried out a sub-orbital test flight of its home-built 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan, after several hiccups. The IIT-Madras-incubated company also became India's second private entity after Skyroot Aerospace to launch from a private launch pad. The rocket used the world's first 3-D printed single-piece engine, dubbed Agnilet. The indigenous engine is a semi-cryogenic unit using sub-cooled liquid oxygen and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Talking to ET in October last year, Ravichandran had said that Agnikul will launch its commercial operations by mid-2025. The space startup was in active discussions with 30 to 40 potential clients, exploring specific demands and use cases for its Agnibaan rocket , cofounder Srinath Ravichandran told ET. Given the evolving market for small satellite launch vehicles, the company plans to scale its operations to support around 25 launches per year using its mobile launchpad Dhanush at Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) facilities.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The business of space- Why Indian spacetech startups are betting big on Dubai
India's private space sector is no longer just aiming for the stars—it's moving fast, fueled by ambitious startups like Skyroot, Pixxel, and Agnikul that are reshaping how the country approaches space innovation. As these companies eye global markets, advanced infrastructure, and significant scale, the key question is no longer if they should expand internationally—but where to establish their next stronghold. Traditional tech hubs may still command attention, but a new force is emerging in the spacetech landscape—Dubai, steadily positioning itself as the next global launchpad. The Emirate is emerging as a serious player in space business, with a growing ecosystem that's beginning to attract attention from Indian spacetech founders seeking the next big leap. Dubai presents a potential avenue for global collaboration and accelerated growth that warrants a closer look. Why Global investors are eyeing Economic Zones for space commerce? Dubai's vision to become a global leader in space is anchored in its National Space Strategy 2030, which outlines goals in scientific research, technology advancement, and a thriving commercial space sector. A key part of this is the Space Economic Zone Program by the UAE Space Agency, aimed at attracting and supporting foreign startups and SMEs. These zones offer 100% foreign ownership, streamlined business setup, access to world-class infrastructure, dedicated workspaces, and incubation and acceleration services, making them highly appealing to global space-tech companies. The strategy positions Dubai as a hub for space commerce by tapping into international talent and capital. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), founded in 2006, plays a central role in this vision. It led the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe), the Arab world's first interplanetary mission, and oversees the satellite initiatives and Astronaut Program, highlighting the nation's growing capabilities in space. How is Dubai positioning itself in the spacetech market? Dubai is strategically positioning itself as a global hub in the space economy through targeted initiatives. While direct mentions of hosting events like the International Astronautical Congress or World Space Forum are limited, Dubai's broader commitment to international engagement signals active participation in such forums to foster global collaboration. A critical pillar of this strategy is Dubai's adaptive regulatory environment. As Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, explained, 'Innovation requires an adaptive framework, such as regulatory labs and sandbox systems, to foster technological progress while ensuring safety. These systems and initiatives bring policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders together to collaborate and refine solutions,' stressing the importance of fostering ecosystems that accelerate innovation while maintaining safety and scalability. The Emirate also emphasises the importance of public-private partnerships, creating a business-friendly environment that encourages global players, including potential collaborations with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, to explore opportunities within the UAE's expanding space ecosystem. Companies like ST Advanced Composites provide key strategic advantages to Dubai and UAE-based space businesses through their specialised expertise in crucial lightweight and durable composite materials, enabling enhanced mission performance. Dr. Devendran Thirunavukarasu, Founder, ST Advanced Composites, highlights:'The utilisation of lightweight composite materials is revolutionising satellite launches by significantly reducing overall weight. This directly translates to improved launch efficiency, allowing for greater payload capacity and decreased fuel consumption – ultimately making more ambitious space missions economically feasible.' Government-backed initiatives such as Space Economic Zones and the National Space Fund reinforce Dubai's ambition, offering incentives, streamlined processes, and financial support to attract global space-tech ventures and foster cross-border innovation. What's in it for Indian spacetech startups? For Indian space-tech startups exploring global expansion, Dubai offers a strategic gateway. Initiatives like the National Space Fund provide financial support to both Emirati and international companies, while world-class accelerators—potentially within Dubai Internet City and other free zones—offer mentorship, networking, and funding access. With 100% foreign ownership and streamlined setup processes in many zones, Dubai creates a highly business-friendly environment. Thirunavukarasu mentioned, 'Collaborating with Dubai-based entities offers a range of exciting opportunities for expanding technologies into new frontiers like lunar or Mars missions. The strategic geographic location acts as a crucial hub for international space collaboration, complemented by state-of-the-art infrastructure like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)." He further added, "The government's strong commitment to space exploration, evidenced by the UAE Space Strategy 2030 and the Mars 2117 Vision, provides a robust framework for partnerships. This governmental backing, coupled with access to potential funding and policy support, can significantly accelerate the deployment and innovation of technologies for deep space exploration. Collaborations with universities and research institutions also open avenues for joint R&D in critical areas like robotics and sustainable life-support systems, while the unique desert environment offers a valuable testing ground for technologies intended for harsh extraterrestrial conditions." This supportive environment is further emphasised by Anna Hazlett, CEO at AzurX, a firm dedicated to attracting space tech companies to the UAE, who stated, "AzurX has actively worked to attract and support space and satellite technology companies, along with research and development (R&D), to the UAE since 2019. A flourishing UAE space sector, encompassing a vibrant startup and venture ecosystem, offers numerous strategic, economic, and diplomatic advantages... enabling the expansion of the private space ecosystem in the UAE." Its geographic and cultural proximity to India makes the transition smoother, while its advanced infrastructure serves as an ideal base for testing, mission control, and manufacturing. The UAE's active push for collaborations in satellite technology and knowledge-sharing, along with success stories of Indian ventures already operating in the region, cements Dubai's position as a promising launchpad for India's spacetech ambitions. What's next – Future prospects and bilateral growth The UAE's space economy, guided by its National Space Strategy 2030, is rapidly expanding, creating timely opportunities for Indian startups. India and the UAE already share a solid foundation in space collaboration, with ISRO and the UAE Space Agency partnering on satellite launches and space exploration. There's growing scope for joint ventures in Earth observation, navigation, and interplanetary missions. For Indian startups, an early presence in Dubai offers a first-mover edge, access to futuristic infrastructure, and entry into global markets. This is particularly true for companies specialising in advanced materials, a critical area for the future of space technology. Thirunavukarasu highlights the transformative role of their materials, stating that,"Advanced composites, such as carbon fibre reinforced polymers, are significantly lighter than traditional metals. This weight-saving translates into reduced launch costs, allowing for more payload capacity and improving the efficiency of spacecraft design. The success of companies like SatSure, Dhruva Space, and ST Advanced Composites in India—and their growing presence in the UAE—shows the real potential of these technologies in new markets. As Dubai cements its position in the global space economy, Indian space-tech startups with expertise in areas like advanced composites have a clear path to scale, collaborate, and lead on the international stage.
