Agnikul Cosmos, the Chennai-based private space startup, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine, which will power its upcoming Agnibaan launch vehicle.

The announcement signifies a significant advancement for India's swiftly advancing private space industry and positions Agnikul as a leader in propulsion technology development.

The engine’s most remarkable characteristic is its throttling system powered by an electric motor, which allows for accurate thrust regulation by adjusting its speed.

This ability enables greater precision and quick reactions, essential for handling intricate flight paths and operational needs. Throughout the test, the engine was adjusted across a broad spectrum of thrust levels, showcasing the adaptability and dependability of the technology.

In contrast to traditional rocket engines that depend on gas generators or turbopumps, Agnikul’s semi-cryogenic engine employs an electric motor to drive the pumps circulating propellants—a mix of liquid oxygen (cryogenic oxidizer) and refined kerosene (non-cryogenic fuel).

This method is not only more effective but also facilitates smoother incorporation of sophisticated control systems.

Agnikul's hallmark single-component engine design continues to be central to this updated system. Numerous pump subsystems of the engine were 3D-printed and put together at the firm's AS9100D-certified Rocket Factory-1, situated in the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.

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The motor drives and related control software were completely designed and developed internally.