New Delhi: Former ISRO Chief S Somanath has joined the board of private space startup Agnikul Cosmos as an observer ahead of the company’s ambitious Mission 02. The move comes as Agnikul prepares to test India’s first private reusable orbital-class rocket technology, marking an important step for the country’s growing private space sector.
S Somanath to Support Mission 02 Reusable Rocket Test
S Somanath led ISRO during several landmark missions, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, the development of the LVM3 heavy-lift rocket, and major milestones in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
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His experience in launch vehicle design, propulsion systems, and mission management is expected to strengthen Agnikul’s technical capabilities as it prepares for Mission 02.
What Is Mission 02 Reusable Rocket Test
Mission 02 will use a two-stage version of Agnikul’s Agnibaan launch vehicle. The mission has two major objectives:
- Recover the first-stage booster through a controlled descent after stage separation.
- Keep the upper stage operational in orbit instead of turning it into space debris by using a “convertible upper stage” concept.
What is the Importance of Reusable Rockets
Reusable rockets allow expensive launch hardware to be used multiple times instead of being discarded after every mission. This technology can significantly reduce launch costs, improve mission efficiency, and make space access more affordable for satellite operators. Around the world, reusable launch systems have transformed the commercial space industry, and India is now working toward developing similar capabilities.
A Major Step for India’s Private Space Industry
Mission 02 is expected to become India’s first private-sector attempt to recover an orbital-class rocket booster. The mission follows the Indian government’s 2020 space reforms, which opened the space sector to private companies and encouraged innovation in launch services.
What is Agnikul Cosmos
Agnikul Cosmos is a Chennai-based space startup incubated at IIT Madras. The company develops the Agnibaan launch vehicle, powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. Agnikul has also patented several of its technologies in India, the United States, and Europe.
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