Two space start-ups have access to ISRO facilities and their expertise to test rocket systems

The Department of Space (DoS) has entered into a framework memorandum of understanding with the aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos to access ISRO’s facilities and expertise for the development and testing of subsystems / systems of space launchers.

The MoU will allow the company to undertake multiple tests and access facilities at various centers of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to test and qualify its 3D printed semi-cryo motor and other systems. It will also allow Agnikul, based at the IIT-Madras National Combustion R&D Center, Chennai, to benefit from ISRO’s technical expertise to test and qualify its space launch systems and subsystems. Agnikul said the MoU would formally allow him to move forward with his testing plans at ISRO. “With this level of government support, low earth orbit appears to be near,” tweeted the company, which raised $ 11 million Series A from institutional and angel investors earlier this year.

Senior Agnikul officials met with DoS Secretary and ISRO Chairman K Sivan, who provided full DoS support for the qualification of Agnikul launcher systems. ISRO Scientific Secretary and Chairman of the IN-SPACe (Indian National Center for Space Promotion and Authorization) Interim Committee R Umamaheswaran signed the MoU on Friday on behalf of the DoS and the CEO of ‘Agnikul, Srinath Ravichandran, signed it on the company side.

DoS entered into a similar memorandum of understanding last week with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace to access ISRO facilities and expertise for the development and testing of space launcher subsystems / systems. The framework memorandum of understanding will allow the company to undertake multiple tests and access to facilities in various ISRO centers and also to benefit from ISRO’s technical expertise to test and qualify its systems and sub-systems. space launch systems.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the ISRO President inaugurated the Bellatrix Aerospace Spacecraft Research Lab located on the Indian Institute of Science campus here. This privately funded propulsion laboratory has in-house facilities for the development and testing of green electric and chemical propulsion technologies, according to ISRO. Sivan appreciated the young team for establishing the state-of-the-art facility which houses equipment such as high vacuum thermal testing facilities, catalytic reactors, propellant preparation facilities and specialized high-vacuum coating facilities. temperature.