The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, has signed an agreement with Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, Chennai, for ₹200 crore financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The funding, provided through Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs), supports the development of a fully reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle, aiming to advance the technology from TRL-4 (Technology Readiness Level 4) and above to TRL-8.
The project focuses on achieving full-system reusability rather than the conventional approach of recovering only the first stage. This architecture is designed to enable high-frequency and repeatable launches while reducing both launch and manufacturing costs and limiting space debris generation. The reusable launch architecture combines a lightweight upper stage, precise orbital insertion capabilities, and a semi-cryogenic liquid propulsion system designed for deep throttling and restart capability.
Agnikul has previously demonstrated several technology elements through its development programs, including the indigenous orbital-class launch vehicle Agnibaan and the Agnilet engine, a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine developed and manufactured in-house. TDB had earlier supported Agnikul's development and commercialization of a modular configurable launch vehicle for small satellite missions.
The new RDI-supported program focuses on developing technologies for controlled descent and recovery, incorporating a reusable upper-stage architecture and descent propulsion system. The development includes propulsion systems capable of restart and deep throttling, which are critical for descent and landing operations. The project will support the development and validation of technologies required for reusable launch architecture, including propulsion, ascent systems, orbital insertion, descent, and recovery.
The program aligns with the RDI Fund's priority area of advanced and reusable launch vehicles and propulsion innovation within Space Technologies. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, emphasized that reusability represents an important technology frontier for India's space journey, requiring technologies that enable greater frequency, flexibility, and efficiency in reaching orbit.