Agnikul Cosmos commissions India’s first large-format additive manufacturing facility for rockets
Agnikul Cosmos, a leading space technology startup, has announced the commissioning of India's first large-format additive manufacturing facility dedicated to aerospace and rocket systems.
This state-of-the-art facility is a significant step forward for the country's private space industry, as it allows for the 3D printing of rocket components up to one meter in height, a capability not previously available in India.
The new plant is designed to streamline the entire manufacturing process, from design and simulation to printing, post-processing, and finishing, all under one roof.
The company states that this integrated approach will lead to a 50% reduction in the cost of building for space and will significantly accelerate development cycles.
According to Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul, the facility will enable the company to produce rocket engines that deliver seven times the thrust of their previous designs and can be manufactured in a matter of days.
A key feature of the facility is an indigenously developed de-powdering machine, which ensures a flawless surface finish and space-grade quality on all printed parts. Incubated at IIT Madras, Agnikul is currently developing its launch vehicle, Agnibaan, which is designed to carry small satellites into orbit.