Agnikul Cosmos, a leading private aerospace company, has once again delayed the inaugural test launch of its Agnibaan rocket, marking the third postponement due to technical issues.
Initially scheduled for Sunday, the maiden test launch of the Agnibaan rocket was set to take place from India’s premier private launchpad, ALP-01, situated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, following several earlier delays.
Originally planned for Saturday, the test launch was deferred due to unresolved technical challenges. Last month, the rocket’s launch faced a similar setback, with Agnikul postponing the Agnibaan mission without providing specific reasons.
The SOrTeD mission represents a significant milestone, featuring a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration powered by the Agnilet, a semi-cryogenic engine utilizing a sub-cooled liquid oxygen-based propulsion system developed domestically.
The primary objectives of the inaugural SOrTeD mission include demonstrating India’s inaugural launch from a private launchpad, showcasing the country’s first-ever semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch, and utilizing the pioneering single-piece 3D-printed engine, designed and fabricated domestically, to propel a launch vehicle.
Agnibaan, a two-stage launch vehicle renowned for its versatility, is capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 300 kg to a 700 km orbit.
The successful launch of Agnibaan would mark a significant advancement in India’s space exploration endeavors. However, Agnikul has yet to announce a revised launch date for the Agnibaan mission.
