Agnikul Cosmos Raises $7.6M to Scale Commercial Space Launches

Moin SPM and Srinath Ravichandran, Agnikul Cosmos Co-Founders

Agnikul Cosmos raised INR 67 Cr ($7.6M) via equity and debt from Advenza Global, Atharva Green Ecotech, and Pratithi Investments, after a INR 200 Cr Series B in 2023. This capital is expected to bolster Agnikul's efforts in scaling manufacturing, expanding test facilities, and preparing for upcoming commercial space launches.

The company is focused on making space access more flexible and affordable through its small-lift launch vehicles. Its flagship rocket, Agnibaan, is designed to carry payloads up to 300 kg to orbits around 700 km. A key innovation is the Agnilet engine, which Agnikul claims is the world's first fully 3D-printed, single-piece semi-cryogenic rocket engine. A semi-cryogenic engine uses propellants where at least one is stored at very low temperatures (like liquid oxygen) and the other is not (like kerosene or methane).

Agnikul has also established operational capabilities at Sriharikota, including a private launchpad and mission control center, positioning itself among a select few Indian private entities with such facilities. The company is preparing for its Agnibaan SOrTeD mission, a technological demonstrator preceding its commercial operations.

Founded in 2017, it develops small-lift rockets like Agnibaan, powered by 3D-printed Agnilet engines. Its Sriharikota tests and SOrTeD mission mark steps toward commercial launches amid rising spacetech investment.

Sources: Whalesbook, Deccan Founders