SOURCE: AFI
Agnikul Cosmos, the Indian space startup, has unveiled a detailed breakdown of its highly anticipated Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator) rocket. This breakdown offers a glimpse into the key components that will propel the vehicle during its upcoming test flight.
The Agnibaan SOrTeD features a nose cone meticulously crafted from carbon composite. This cone serves a critical purpose – safeguarding the precious cargo it carries from the harsh environmental conditions encountered during flight.
Multiple COPVs form an integral part of the Agnibaan SOrTeD. These vessels are designed to hold pressurized Nitrogen and Helium. This pressurized gas plays a crucial role in operating the Reaction Control System (RCS), which maintains the rocket’s orientation during flight, and also pressurizes the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) tanks.
The avionics hub serves as the central nervous system of the Agnibaan SOrTeD. This compartment houses all the critical avionics packages, which are electronic systems responsible for controlling and monitoring various aspects of the rocket’s flight. Notably, Agnikul takes pride in having designed and developed these avionics packages in-house.
The Agnibaan SOrTeD utilizes two separate propellant tanks to power its engine. The Liquid Oxygen tank, constructed from non-insulated aluminum, stores subcooled liquid oxygen, a highly efficient oxidizer for combustion. Complementing this is the Aviation Turbine Fuel tank, also made from non-insulated aluminum. This tank houses readily available aviation-grade fuel, the source of energy for the rocket engine.
Four carbon composite fins grace the exterior of the Agnibaan SOrTeD. These fins play a vital role in maintaining the rocket’s stability during flight by providing passive control. They act like steering surfaces, guiding the rocket through the air without the need for complex mechanical systems.pen_spark
Enclosed within the base shroud lies the heart of the Agnibaan SOrTeD – the Agnilet engine. This groundbreaking engine holds a special distinction – it’s the world’s first single-piece, 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. This patented marvel boasts a thrust capacity of 6.2 kN, providing the necessary power to propel the vehicle skyward.pen_spark
The Agnibaan SOrTeD marks a significant milestone in India’s private space industry. It is the first private vehicle from India to utilize components from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) flight termination system. This system ensures the safe termination of the flight in case of any anomaly, prioritizing public safety.
The intertank structure serves as the bridge connecting the ATF and LOX tanks. This crucial component, made from aluminum stiffeners with carbon composite cover panels, provides structural support and also houses the ATF pressurant tanks.
By unveiling these critical components, Agnikul Cosmos has provided valuable insights into the technological marvel that is the Agnibaan SOrTeD. This suborbital demonstrator represents a significant step forward for India’s private space ambitions, and its maiden launch is eagerly awaited by the global spacefaring community.