Launch of India’s first semi-cryogenic rocket cancelled for second time in two weeks

Chennai-based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos on April 6 cancelled the launch of India's first semi-cryogenic engine rocket for the second time in two weeks. Agnikul Cosmos did not specify the rationale behind the cancellation.

Launch of the "Agnibaan SOrTeD" (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator) was first scheduled on March 22, but was cancelled a day earlier due to "unavoidable circumstances." The reason for the cancellation was again not specified, but weather disturbances were being speculated.

On March 21, the startup, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), said, "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."

Agnikul's “Agnibaan SOrTeD” was supposed to be launched from the startup’s private launchpad "Dhanush", at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.