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The sub-orbital launch of India’s second privately developed rocket, which was scheduled for Friday early morning, has been postponed.
A day ahead of the launch, Agnikul Cosmos, the IIT-Madras incubated startup, said: “Holding our launch out of an abundance of caution based on certain minor observations from the full countdown rehearsals last night. Will keep you all posted on the new date and time. Thanks a lot for all the support that has been pouring in.” The SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD) is a single stage rocket that would test the company’s Agnilet engine in a real flight. A sub-orbital launch takes the payloads to space or close to it but cannot push it into an orbit around the Earth. This was a much anticipated launch, with the launch vehicle using a 3D printed engine. Most launch vehicles are manufactured in parts and then assembled ahead of the launch, however, 3D printing will ensure that Agnikul’s rocket engine comes in one piece.
It is expected to reach the height of around 20 km and then splash back down to Earth. To compare, commercial airplanes fly at a height of around 10 km.
The only other private company to have undertaken a sub-orbital flight was Skyroot Aerospace in 2022. They are likely to undertake their first orbital flight this year.
