Indian Express - How Agnibaan rocket launch marks a turning point for India’s space sector

India's Space Sector Takes Off: Private Companies Launch Rockets

Successful Launches by Private Companies:

Agnikul Cosmos launched its indigenously-built Agnibaan rocket through its own launchpad, the first such successful launch by a private Indian company.
The successful launch of Agnibaan rocket powered by world’s first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.
The engine does not have any components or moving parts at all. There are no joints, no welding, and no fusing. It is a smooth single piece of hardware. The use of 3-D printing in space hardware is not a novel idea. But no one has used an entire engine that is 3-D printed.
Agnibaan’s engine, named Agnilet, has been an entirely in-house development.
This follows the successful launch of Vikram rocket by Skyroot Aerospace in November 2022.

Significance of these Launches:

Marks a new chapter in India's space sector with increased private participation.

Focus on Small Satellites:

Both Agnibaan and Vikram rockets target the small satellite market for applications like communication, disaster management, etc.
ISRO is also developing SSLV to cater to this growing demand.

Uniqueness of Agnibaan Rocket:

Powered by the world's first entirely 3D-printed engine (Agnilet) for increased efficiency and reduced risk.
Launched from a private launchpad built by Agnikul within Sriharikota, a first for India.

Rise of Private Players in the Space Sector:

Dozens of space companies have emerged in recent years, focusing on various segments.
Government is actively promoting the space sector with private participation.
This has made space a "sunrise sector" with high growth potential.

Now lets attempt a simple Practice Question based on this

Q. Which of the following statement regarding the Indian Space Sector are correct

Agniban is the first Private rocket launch from the Indian soil.
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the defence sector which allows the FDI through automatic approval to be increased from 49% to 74%.

Choose the correct: -

A. 1 only

B. 2 Only

C. Both

D. None

Answer: - B) 2 Only.

Agnibaan rocket launch