The Hindu Editorial Analysis-1st June 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India's First Semicryogenic Engine Vehicle - Agnilet:

• The Agnilet is the first vehicle in India equipped with a semicryogenic engine. This engine type is notable for its use of propellants that are cooled to cryogenic temperatures, which allows for greater efficiency and performance.

Subcooled Liquid-Oxygen-Based Propulsion System:

• The propulsion system of the Agnilet uses subcooled liquid oxygen (LOX). Subcooling involves cooling the LOX below its boiling point to increase its density, allowing more oxidizer to be stored in the same volume, thus enhancing the engine’s efficiency.

Indigenous Development:

• The Agnilet’s propulsion system and various components have been developed indigenously, meaning they have been designed and manufactured within India, showcasing the country’s growing expertise in advanced rocket technology.

Kerosene and Liquid Oxygen Propellants:

• The rocket engine burns kerosene in the presence of liquid oxygen. This combination is commonly used in rocket propulsion due to its high efficiency and energy output.

Direct Integration into Rockets:

• The Agnilet engine can be directly used in rockets without the need for significant modifications or additional components, simplifying its deployment and integration.

Physical Specifications:

• Height: The rocket stands 18 meters tall.
• Diameter: It has a diameter of 1.3 meters.
• These dimensions make it relatively compact yet powerful.

Payload and Lift Capabilities:

• Payload Capacity: The rocket can carry a payload of up to 100 kg to a height of 700 km. This makes it suitable for launching small satellites or scientific instruments into orbit.
• Lift Mass: The rocket can lift a total mass of 14,000 kg, indicating its substantial lifting power.

Orbit Access:

• The Agnilet can access both low-inclination and high-inclination orbits, making it versatile for a variety of missions, from equatorial to polar orbits.

Full Mobility:

• The rocket is designed to be fully mobile, meaning it can be transported and launched from different locations as needed.

Ethernet-Based Avionics Architecture:

• It features the first ever Ethernet-based avionics architecture in India. Ethernet-based systems allow for fast and reliable communication between different parts of the rocket, enhancing performance and reliability.

In-House Developed Autopilot Software:

• The autopilot software, crucial for navigation and control during the flight, has been fully developed in-house. This ensures that all critical technology and intellectual property remain within India.

Multiple Launch Ports:

• The rocket is designed to be launched from more than 10 different ports. This flexibility ensures that it can be deployed from various locations based on mission requirements.

Launch Pedestal 'Dhanush':

• To support its compatibility with multiple launch ports, AgniKul has developed a special launch pedestal named 'Dhanush'. This pedestal supports the rocket’s mobility and ensures it can be launched in various configurations, enhancing its adaptability and operational flexibility.

Foundation and Location:

• Founded: 2017
• Headquarters: Chennai, India
• Incubation: IIT Madras

Significant Milestone with ISRO:

• Agreement with ISRO: In December 2020, AgniKul Cosmos became the first private company in India to sign an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative.
• Purpose: This agreement grants AgniKul access to ISRO's expertise and facilities to aid in the development of their rocket, Agnibaan.

Private Launchpad and Mission Control Centre:

• Inauguration: In 2022, AgniKul Cosmos inaugurated India's first private launchpad and mission control centre.
• Location: The facility is situated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.