Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based spacetech startup, has conducted a successful test of an electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine. The engine was throttled to different levels of thrust by varying the speed of the electric motor. The test marks a development milestone for the company as it prepares for clustered engine firings.
The semi-cryogenic engine, named Agnilet, uses sub-cooled liquid oxygen and aviation turbine fuel. The engine is produced as a single-piece unit using 3D printing technology. Cofounder Srinath Ravichandran stated that many of the engine’s pump subsystems were also 3D-printed and assembled at the company’s Rocket Factory-1. The electric motor drives and associated control software were developed in-house.
“Electric motor-driven throttling allows for higher accuracy and rapid response, which is important for handling complex trajectories,” said Ravichandran.
In May 2024, Agnikul carried out a sub-orbital test flight of the Agnibaan rocket using the same type of 3D-printed engine. At the time, Ravichandran stated that commercial operations were expected to begin by mid-2025, with the company in discussions with 30 to 40 potential clients. The company aims to support up to 25 launches annually using its mobile launchpad, Dhanush, at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities.
Agnikul Cosmos is a space technology startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. It focuses on small satellite launch vehicles and additive manufacturing-based propulsion systems.