“World`s first 3D printed rocket by Indian startup Agnikul”

31 May “World`s first 3D printed rocket by Indian startup Agnikul”

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details of “World`s first 3D printed rocket by Indian startup Agnikul”. This topic is relevant in the “Science and Technology” section of the UPSC- CSE Exam.

Why in the news?

• Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd., a space start-up based in Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine. The rocket, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), was successfully launched from Sriharikota. 
• Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd., a space start-up based in Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine. The rocket, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), was successfully launched from Sriharikota.

About Agnibaan:

• The Agnibaan SOrTeD marks India’s first rocket launch from a private launchpad, named ‘Dhanush,’ which was set up by Agnikul. 
• This launch also represents India’s debut in using a semi-cryogenic engine and the world’s first deployment of a single-piece 3D-printed engine, both designed and built domestically.
• According to Agnikul, the primary objective of this mission is to conduct a test flight to validate their homegrown technologies, gather essential flight data, and ensure the systems’ optimal performance for their orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan.’

Start-ups in the space industry:

• Pixxel: focuses on Earth-imaging satellites used for applications such as agricultural monitoring and disaster management.
• Skyroot Aerospace: Focuses on Developing cost-effective launch vehicles, including the Vikram series, designed for small satellite launches.
• Agnikul Cosmos: Focuses on Specializing in 3D-printed rocket engines and launch services, aiming to enhance accessibility to space with their innovative solutions.
• Astrome Technologies: Focuses on High-capacity satellite communication through a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to provide global internet access.
• Bellatrix Aerospace: Focuses on Developing propulsion systems and satellite propulsion services, offering efficient options for manoeuvring in space.

Indian space startups face several challenges:

• Funding: Startups struggle to secure the necessary funding to build prototypes and demonstrate proof of concept, which are essential for product development. Venture 
• Capital Funding Gap: The amount of venture capital available for product development is insufficient in India, making it hard for startups to sustain and grow their operations.
• Complex and Evolving Regulations: Navigating the regulatory landscape is challenging due to unclear and frequently changing regulations.
• Lack of Institutional Support: Startups often depend on ISRO and DRDO for customers, which can limit their growth opportunities from expanding their customer base and scaling up.
• Limited Deep-Pocket Investors: The scarcity of substantial investors in India hampers the ability of startups to secure necessary growth funding.
• Implementation of IN-SPACe: The establishment of IN-SPACe, a new regulatory body, must avoid adding a bureaucratic burden for private players.
• Import Dependence: Approximately 95% of components required for space solutions are imported, which increases costs and impacts self-sufficiency.
• Global Competition: To compete globally, India needs to develop a strong funding ecosystem akin to those in the United States and Europe.

Government Initiatives:

• Seed Funding: Providing substantial seed funding to startups leveraging satellite data for sectors like agriculture and disaster management.
• Soft Funds: Establishing soft funds and additional incentives to accelerate the growth of the space sector by offering financial support to startups.
• Venture Capital Funding: Encouraging venture capital firms to invest in the space sector by offering incentives and support for investments in startups.
• Private Investments: Facilitating private investments by creating a favourable regulatory environment and supporting startups in raising capital from private investors.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Promoting collaborations and partnerships between startups, private companies, higher educational institutions and government agencies to share resources and expertise, thereby reducing costs and enhancing growth potential.
• Export Licenses: Providing export licenses to startups, enabling them to participate in global projects and expand their customer base.
• Regulatory Framework: Establishing a clear and business-friendly regulatory framework to ensure policy stability and predictability renders it  for startups to operate and grow.
• International Partnerships: Facilitating international partnerships and collaborations to leverage global expertise and resources, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Indian space startups.
• Tax Incentives: Offering tax incentives to startups and investors to reduce the financial burden and make investments in the space sector more attractive.

Way forward:

• Streamline Regulations: Establish a clear and business-friendly regulatory framework to provide policy stability and predictability, making it easier for startups to operate and grow.
• Promote Ease of Doing Business: Implement schemes to promote ease of doing business for space tech businesses, including tax incentives and support for research and development.
• Develop Local Capabilities: Encourage the development of local capabilities by providing funding and resources for research and development in space technology, enabling startups to innovate and develop new products and services.
• Support for Research and Development: Provide funding and resources for research and development in space technology, enabling startups to innovate and develop new products and services.
• Visionary Leadership: Encourage visionary leadership by providing support for startups and private companies in innovation and growth in the space sector.

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 31st May 2024

Prelims based Question:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. 74% FDI allowed in the space industry in INDIA.
2. Start-up  Agnikul developed the world`s first 3D Satellite rocket engine.

Which of the following is/are correct about the Indian space industry?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2.
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Mains based Questions:

1. As India`s space industry achieves milestones in the sector, What steps should be taken by the government industry-academia to make India a leader in the sector?

Vishal Yadav