In a significant milestone for India’s private space sector, Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos has successfully test-fired the nation’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine. This achievement marks a notable advancement in indigenous rocket propulsion technology.
India’s First Electric Motor-Driven Semi-Cryogenic Rocket Engine
A Technological Breakthrough
On May 23, 2025, Agnikul Cosmos announced the successful test-firing of its innovative semi-cryogenic engine, which utilizes an electric motor to drive the fuel pumps. This approach allows for precise control of thrust by varying the motor’s speed, offering higher accuracy and rapid response—critical factors for handling complex trajectories in space missions.
Innovative Design and Manufacturing
The engine features Agnikul’s signature single-piece design, manufactured entirely through 3D printing. This method reduces the number of components, potentially enhancing reliability and simplifying the manufacturing process. Additionally, many subsystems of the pump were 3D-printed and assembled at the company’s Rocket Factory-1 facility. The motor drives and associated control software were also fully designed and developed in-house. NewsBytes
Future Applications
This engine is slated to power Agnikul’s upcoming Agnibaan launch vehicle, a customizable, two-stage rocket designed to carry payloads of up to 300 kg into orbit. The successful test of the semi-cryogenic engine represents a significant step toward the realization of this launch vehicle, which aims to provide flexible and cost-effective access to space.
Conclusion
Agnikul Cosmos’s successful test of India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine underscores the growing capabilities of the country’s private space sector. By integrating advanced technologies such as electric motor-driven pumps and 3D printing, Agnikul is contributing to the development of innovative and efficient launch systems. This achievement not only enhances India’s position in the global space industry but also paves the way for more ambitious endeavors in the future.
