India's first semi-cryogenic rocket launch, "Agnibaan SOrTeD" (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator), faced its second cancellation in two weeks as Chennai-based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos announced the scrapping of the launch on April 6.
The launch was initially slated for March 22 but was called off a day earlier due to undisclosed reasons.
The recent cancellation comes after the startup postponed the launch on March 22, citing "unavoidable circumstances." Although the specific reasons for both cancellations were not disclosed by Agnikul Cosmos, speculation arose around potential weather disturbances for the initial delay.
In a statement posted on X on March 21, Agnikul Cosmos expressed caution following minor observations from full countdown rehearsals, prompting the decision to delay the launch.
The startup assured to update on a new launch date and appreciated the support received.
The "Agnibaan SOrTeD" was intended to launch from Agnikul's private launchpad "Dhanush" at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
Featuring a single-piece 3D-printed engine known as Agnilet, developed domestically by the startup, the rocket signifies advancements in space technology.
Semi-cryogenic engines like those employed by Agnibaan offer advantages in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, and operational flexibility compared to cryogenic engines.
As a technology demonstrator, Agnibaan aims to validate Agnikul's capabilities for future commercial launches.
Established in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and SR Chakravarthy, all from IIT Madras, Agnikul Cosmos endeavors to democratize space exploration by making it accessible and economically
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