Indian industry fills gaps for small satellites
Agnikul Cosmos is building and testing a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine called Agnilet. (Agnikul Cosmos)
Microsatellites and nanosatellites hold a lot of promise for military users, and Indian private business hopes to get involved in their launch.
Chennai-based start-up Agnikul Cosmos has taken the lead in building and testing a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine – called Agnilet – that can power its Agnibaan rocket carrying a 100kg payload into a lower Earth orbit (LEO) of up to 700km.
Defence forces are likely to adopt this disruptive innovation for remote sensing and communication.
With nanosatellites and microsatellites becoming popular due to their lower cost and faster upgraded replacement, Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO, said his product will complement the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle with a payload capacity to deliver 500kg to LEO.
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