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31st May 2024 (14 Topics)

Agnibaan SOrTeD

In a major milestone for India's private space sector, Agnikul Cosmos has successfully launched its SOrTeD mission. The mission featured a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, Agnilet.

Key highlights of the mission:

  • Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is a single-stage rocket fueled by a semi-cryogenic engine.
  • Launch Site: The SOrTeD mission took off from ALP-01, India's first private launchpad, located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
  • The Agnibaan rocket is capable of carrying up to 300 kg payload to a 700 km high orbit.
  • Mission Maneuvers: The mission included precise maneuvers such as a pitch-over maneuver and wind biasing before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal.
  • The data collected from the SOrTeD mission will be instrumental in fine-tuning the development of the Agnibaan launch vehicle, which is expected to be highly customizable and capable of carrying a 300kg payload to a 700km orbit.

Fact Box: Launch vehicle:

  • SOrTeD used Agnilet, India's first semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a mix of liquid and gas for propellant. It is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine.
  • Vehicle Specs: The launch vehicle was a 6.2-meter-tall single-stage rocket with an elliptical nose cone.
  • It was equipped with advanced avionics architecture and autopilot software.
  • This engine runs on sub-cooled Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
  • Semi-cryogenic engine vs Cryogenic engines

Semi-cryogenic engine

Cryogenic engines

It uses liquid oxygen (which is very cold)  and regular fuel, like kerosene or ATF

It uses both liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, both of which are extremely cold.

They use less cold fuel, making them simpler and cheaper to handle and store compared to cryogenic engines. 

It uses extremely cold fuel. They are more powerful as liquid hydrogen provides higher impulse, meaning more thrust per unit of fuel.

Less powerful and efficient as compared to cryogenic engine.

More efficient for long-distance missions or heavier payloads.

They are often used in the initial stages of a rocket for their cost-effectiveness and simpler handling

They are used in the later stages for their higher efficiency and greater power needed to place satellites into higher orbits or for deep space missions

About 3D printing

  • 3D printing is a process where a machine creates objects layer by layer from a digital model, using materials like plastic or metal.  This method can make the part stronger and more reliable
  • Single piece using 3D printing means that the entire part was made as one continuous piece using a 3D printer, rather than being assembled from multiple parts.
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