Chennai-based firm among 24 startups to join Airbus accelerator programme

AgniKul Cosmos is currently developing launching vehicles for unmanned missions

Airbus has selected 24 new startups, including Chennai-based AgniKul Cosmos, to join its BizLab for the launch of the fourth accelerator which will provide a platform for developing previously untapped technologies and ways of working in the aerospace sector.

AgniKul Cosmos is in the process of developing its own small launch vehicles. The Chennai-based startup and other firms will participate in AirBus' six-month acceleration programme.

BizLab currently has four campuses -- in Toulouse, Hamburg, Madrid, and Bengaluru. Of the 24 startups selected, only AgniKul deals directly with the upstream space industry.

AgniKul is in the process of developing its Agnibaan orbital launch vehicle.

Srinath Ravichandran, one of the promoters of AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited, said his company is focused on building an orbital class nano-satellite launch vehicle that will be able to carry up to 100kg on a 700km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). 

Agnibaan will be a two-stage Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Kerosene rocket with a third baby stage, and will have a plug-and-play configuration for an air launch vehicle. Its first stage engine will utilise 7 identical engines, whose development will incorporate additive manufacturing -– each engine will carry a 3D-printed regenerative cooling system and an injector to mix the LOX and Kerosene.

The company wants to position the launch vehicle Agnibaan as an affordable one for unmanned launches.

Founded in 2017, AngiKul is currently based out of the National Centre of Combustion R&D (NCCRD) in the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras). 

R V Perumal, former Isro senior official is an Advisor for the company.