The sub-orbital launch of India’s second privately developed rocket, originally scheduled for early Friday morning, has been postponed.
One day prior to the scheduled launch, Agnikul Cosmos, the startup incubated at IIT-Madras, announced: “As a precautionary measure based on certain minor observations during the full countdown rehearsals last night, we have decided to postpone our launch. We will provide updates regarding the new date and time. Thank you for the overwhelming support.” The SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD) is a single-stage rocket designed to test the company’s Agnilet engine in an actual flight. A sub-orbital launch propels payloads to space or near-space but does not establish an orbit around the Earth. This launch was highly anticipated, particularly because the launch vehicle utilizes a 3D printed engine. Unlike most launch vehicles, which are assembled from various components, 3D printing ensures that Agnikul’s rocket engine is produced as a single piece.
Another notable aspect of the launch is its utilization of the first private launch platform established by the company at Sriharikota, the country’s sole spaceport. Moreover, the use of this platform signifies that the rocket will not rely on guiderails to determine its lift-off trajectory. Instead, the Agnibaan SOrTeD will initiate its ascent vertically and adhere to a predetermined trajectory.
The rocket is anticipated to ascend to an altitude of approximately 20 km before descending back to Earth. For comparison, commercial airplanes typically fly at altitudes of around 10 km.
Skyroot Aerospace, the only other private company to have conducted a sub-orbital flight in 2022, is expected to embark on their inaugural orbital flight later this year.
