Launch of first 3D printed satellite by Agnikul Cosmos cancelled

Agnikul said it is holding the launch out of an "abundance of caution", and based on minor observations from the full countdown rehearsals last night

Private space startup Agnikul Cosmos has cancelled its test launch of the Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator) scheduled on March 22 due to "unavoidable circumstances." The reason has not been specified by authorities but weather disturbances are being speculated as the reason for the cancellation.

"Agnikul is holding the launch out of an abundance of caution based on certain minor observations from the full countdown rehearsals last night. Will keep you all posted on the new date and time. Thanks a lot for all the support," the startup said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Agnikul Cosmos, if it had gone ahead with the launch on March 22, would have been the second space startup from India to launch a rocket into space.

The rocket has a distinctive engine that is 3D printed, a technology that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still refining. Established in 2017 by two young aerospace engineers, the startup aspires to establish "a place where people learn to use fire" in space exploration and technology.

Agnikul, co-founded by entrepreneurs Srinath Ravichandran and SPM Moin and mentored by Satya Chakravarthy, has garnered $40 million in funding from various private equity investors to date.

The Agnibaan SOrTeD has a unique engine, which uses commercially available aviation turbine fuel (kerosene) and medical-grade liquid oxygen.

Also read: Agnikul Cosmos secures $26.7 million for increased capacity and bi-monthly commercial launches

The Chennai-based space tech startup began the integration process of its suborbital Agnibaan launch vehicle with their private launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in August 2023.

The rocket is being integrated with the startup's private launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC), Sriharikota, which was unveiled in November 2022.

Read more: Indian space startup gears up for ambitious rocket launch: Key things to know