India’s efforts to develop indigenous reusable space transportation systems received a boost with the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), signing an agreement with Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd for ₹200 crore financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The project focuses on developing the reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle and advancing the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 and above to TRL-8. The financial assistance will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD).
The project aims to move beyond the conventional approach of recovering only the first stage of a launch vehicle and develop a fully reusable system. The proposed architecture is designed to enable frequent and repeatable launches while reducing launch and manufacturing costs and minimising space debris.
The Agnibaan RLV architecture will combine a lightweight upper stage, precise orbital insertion capabilities and a semi-cryogenic liquid propulsion system with deep-throttling and restart capabilities. These features are intended to provide greater flexibility in mission operations and support repeated use of the launch system.
Agnikul has previously demonstrated several technologies through its development and testing programmes, including Agnibaan, its indigenous orbital-class launch vehicle, and Agnilet, a single-piece, 3D-printed rocket engine developed and manufactured in-house.
TDB had earlier supported Agnikul in the development and commercialisation of a modular, configurable launch vehicle for small satellite missions.
The new RDI-supported programme will focus on developing technologies for a reusable launch architecture, including propulsion, ascent systems, orbital insertion, descent and recovery. The proposed Agnibaan RLV incorporates a reusable upper-stage architecture and descent propulsion system, with controlled descent and recovery among the key technologies envisaged.
The development programme also includes propulsion systems capable of restart and deep throttling, which are critical for descent and landing operations.
The project is aligned with the RDI Fund’s identified priority area of advanced and reusable launch vehicles and propulsion innovation under Space Technologies.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said the next phase of India’s space programme would require technologies capable of reaching orbit with greater frequency, flexibility and efficiency.
“Reusability is an important technology frontier in this regard. Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting the development of ambitious indigenous technologies that require sustained investment to progress from advanced technology stages towards deployment,” Pathak said.
“The Agnibaan RLV programme reflects this approach by focusing on the development of a reusable launch architecture and strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced space transportation systems,” he added.
The promoters of Agnikul Cosmos said reusability required the integration of propulsion, vehicle design, guidance, recovery and mission operations into a highly reliable system.
“TDB providing support for this is unique and special for us as it shows that the Government is willing to back original technology development in India,” they said.
“Such support will enable us to progress development of Agnibaan towards a world-class operational vehicle and build an indigenous platform for repeatable access to space,” they added.
