Chennai Startup Agnikul Reveals Plans for its Fully Reusable Rockets

Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space tech startup, has announced plans to make its launch vehicles fully reusable, revealing the development at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney. 

The announcement follows the company’s validation of its engine design, autopilot, avionics and aerodynamic tests in its maiden controlled-ascent launch last year. Agnikul said its move aligns with the IAC theme of “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth” and builds on patents secured in the United States, Europe and India.

The company said it will ensure no part of its rockets is left behind or expended.

Central to Agnikul’s plan is its patent on a combined launch vehicle and satellite system, supported by semi-cryogenic propellant technology. The company said these technologies will allow efficient refurbishment and cost-effective re-flights.

“We have consistently designed our vehicles to ensure that affordability and flexibility are never afterthoughts but are built in from day one,” said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos. 

He added that support from IN-SPACe and ISRO has enabled the company to explore rocket stage recovery and reuse.

Scaling for Commercial Use

Agnikul said its in-house facilities are driving efforts to make launch services more affordable and customisable, while ensuring economic scalability. 

“Our newly planned strategy enables cost efficiencies at scale, allowing us to deliver launch services at globally competitive prices for all small satellite missions,” said Moin SPM, co-founder and COO.

Last week, the company also opened an additive manufacturing facility in Chennai dedicated to aerospace and rocket systems. Agnikul stated that the facility will reduce production costs for space systems by 50% and support India’s position in the global space economy.

Agnikul Cosmos, incubated at IIT Madras, builds space transportation systems under the name Agnibaan, designed to carry small satellites into orbit on demand. 

The company launched India’s first private launchpad and completed its maiden controlled-ascent launch last year using in-house 3D-printed engines and autopilot algorithms.