Agnikul Cosmos has made news again by developing the world’s largest single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. This engine is made entirely from Inconel, a strong and heat-resistant metal. The company has also received a U.S. patent for this innovation.
A Breakthrough in Additive Manufacturing for Space
This one-of-a-kind engine is made in one piece and is around one metre long. There are no connections, bolts, or welds between the exhaust and the fuel inlet. An important advancement in engineering and production is represented by this design. It cuts production time and the chance of mechanical failure by doing away with the need for assembly.
The Journey to a Patented Innovation
Agnikul isn’t new to additive manufacturing. The startup first tested its fully 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, Agnilet, in early 2021, and successfully test-fired it later that year, a world first in printed aerospace engines. In November 2022, the engine was test-fired at ISRO’s Vertical Test Facility in Thumba, consolidating its pioneering status.
The combustion chamber, injector plate, igniter, nozzle, cooling channels, and other parts are all combined into one single unit in Agnikul’s one-piece engine. In late 2022, an Indian patent was awarded for this design and production process.
Why This Matters for India’s Space Ambitions
This development elevates India’s private space ecosystem to global heights. By securing a U.S. patent, Agnikul gains international validation and IP protection for its innovation.
Moreover, additive manufacturing trims production turnaround to days rather than weeks, accelerating launch cadence and enhancing customizability for small satellite missions. The technology helps India compete in the international small-lift launch market with agility and cost efficiency.
What’s Next?
Agnikul’s Agnibaan small-lift launch vehicle powered by Agnilet engines is in development with customizable configurations for launching 100 – 300 kg satellites into low Earth orbit. Future test flights, including orbital missions, could put India’s first-of-its-kind 3D-printed rocket engine into active space service.
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