ISRO tests rocket engine of Indian space start-up

NELLORE: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the lead centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for development of launch vehicles, has facilitated hot testing of a rocket engine developed by an Indian space start-up.

The centre successfully conducted the 15-second hot test of Agnilet Engine for Agnikul Cosmos on November 4, 2022 at its Vertical Test Facility of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram.

The test had been carried out as part of an MOU between ISRO and Agnikul, thereby providing an opportunity for Indian space start-ups to use ISRO facilities through IN-SPACe (Indian National Space, Promotion and Authorisation Centre).

IN-SPACe had been created under Department of Space to encourage, promote and handhold private sector, so that it can participate in the Indian space sector.

Through IN-SPACe, private players will be able to use ISRO infrastructure, a decision of the government that has been welcomed by scientific community.

There are more than 500 companies that partner with ISRO in carrying out space activities. The broad areas and sectors covered by private companies are providing materials, mechanical and electronic fabrication, system development, and integration, among others.

In the post-reforms space, there is also New Space India Limited (NSIL), which helps build satellites and launch vehicles, provides space-based services and enables technology transfers.