Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has inaugurated two new assembly and testing facilities in Chennai, marking a significant step toward reusable launch vehicle technology and bolstering India’s private space sector. The facilities, unveiled at the company’s assembly and testing complex, are designed to support the Agnibaan rocket program and preparations for Mission-02.
Stage Testing & Inspection Facility (STIF)
The Stage Testing & Inspection Facility (STIF) is a fully in-house facility built to test reusable rocket stages under flight-like operating conditions. It will also enable post-flight inspection and requalification of recovered stages. The facility supports thrust levels ranging from 1 kN to 200 kN, LOX subcooling down to 73 K, and full-duration burns of up to 150 seconds.
Agnikul Cosmos co-founder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran emphasized the importance of this capability: “STIF gives us the ability to test complete stages for the duration of their mission and inspect and requalify recovered stages. This is an important capability as we work towards Mission-02.”
Pressurant Tank Realisation, Over-wrapping and Outfitting Facility (PROOF)
The PROOF facility enables in-house manufacturing of pressure vessels—rocket components designed to hold gases or liquids at pressures significantly different from the outside environment. The new facility can produce more than 10 vessels per month, including vessels with capacities of up to 3,500 liters and 350 bar.
Group Captain and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who inaugurated the facilities, remarked: “India’s space program is entering an exciting phase, with capabilities developing across the country to support increasingly ambitious missions.” He welcomed Agnikul’s expansion in advanced manufacturing and testing.
Agnibaan Program and Future Plans
Headquartered in Chennai and incubated at IIT Madras, Agnikul Cosmos develops the Agnibaan family of configurable small-lift launch vehicles. In May 2024, the company successfully conducted Mission 01 (Agnibaan SOrTeD) from its privately built launchpad in Sriharikota. Agnikul also designs and manufactures its single-piece, 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engines in-house, along with avionics, propulsion, and other vehicle systems.
The new facilities represent a major step toward reusable launch technology, echoing the approach of companies like SpaceX. By bringing testing and manufacturing in-house, Agnikul aims to accelerate its development cycle and reduce costs, supporting India’s growing ambitions in space exploration.