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Agnikul Cosmos has revealed a newly patented combined launch vehicle and satellite system at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, Australia. This rocket is fully reusable. The biggest cost of reaching space is rising through the thick, lower atmosphere. Reusing the booster stage of the rocket can bring down the cost significantly, which is what Agnikul intends to do. The rocket has grid fins for stabilisation and legs, and will be landing on ocean barges after launch, which is a technically challenging operation for small rockets with limited fuel. The upper stage will be converted into a satellite. The approach minimises space debris, while providing customisable, on-demand, democratic access to space.
Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos said, “We have consistently designed our vehicles to ensure that affordability and flexibility are never afterthoughts but are built in from day one. We are grateful to the critical support from IN-SPACe and ISRO. Their willingness to allow us to explore rocket stage recovery and reuse has empowered us to attempt this feat both from a policy friendliness and tech support stand point”. Moin SPM, Co-founder and COO of Agnikul Cosmos added, “Our newly planned strategy enables cost efficiencies at scale, allowing us to deliver launch services at globally competitive prices; for all small satellite missions. Unless we embrace new technologies, small rockets cannot achieve the commercial viability our customers will need. This is why our test flight last year was not just a sounding rocket but an amalgamation of almost all the technologies required for controlled ascent.”
Agnikul Cosmos is one of the innovative New Space startups from India that is developing launch vehicles to cater to the burgeoning demand for deploying nanosatellites and microsatellites. The company relies heavily on additive manufacturing or 3D printing, and has set up the largest metal 3D printing facility in the country last week, dedicated to producing its Agnibaan rockets. In November 2022, Agnikul Cosmos also established the first private launch pad and accompanying mission control centre at ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota. In May 2024, Agnikul Cosmos demonstrated its engine design, autopilot and avionic suite, with the Agnibaan SOrTeD mission. The aerodynamics of the launch vehicle was characterised during the suborbital flight.
