Context:
IIT Madras based Startup Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), world’s 1st Rocket with single piece 3D-Printed Engine.
Rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator):
- India’s 1st semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch flight that was designed and manufactured indigenously through 3-D Printing.
- This test flight aims to demonstrate in-house and home-grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’.
Agnibaan Rocket:
- A 2-stage rocket
- Payload capacity – 30 kg to 300 kg
- Height – 700 km.
- Access both low-and high-inclination orbits.
- Completely mobile, designed for accessing more than 10 launch ports.
- Launched from India’s 1st privately developed launchpad – ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
- Its Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE) i.e. Agnilet utilizes a propellant combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene.
- SCE uses a fuel that is storable at higher temperatures compared to cryogenic engines, which makes handling and storage simpler while offering high performance.
ISRO is developing semi-cryogenic propulsion systems for enhancing payload capability of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 and for future launch vehicles.
Initiatives taken for Privatising Space Sector:
- 100% FDI in space sector is allowed in components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment, and user segment.
- India space policy 2023 suggests that private sector is a critical stakeholder in entire value chain of space economy.
- Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) facilitate private sector engagement in space activities.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: Satellites launched by GSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
Statement 3 is not correct: GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle with two solid strap-one, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage.
