Leading space-tech startup Agnikul Cosmos has inaugurated a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing facility in Chennai, marking a significant leap in India’s private space capabilities.
The fully integrated facility is the first in the country to enable 3D printing of aerospace and rocket components up to one metre in height, making it possible to rapidly produce parts that were previously deemed too complex for additive manufacturing.
The facility offers an end-to-end ecosystem encompassing design, simulation, printing, post-processing, and finishing, aimed at improving quality, reliability, and supply chain resilience.
With this setup, Agnikul expects to cut the cost of building for space by up to 50%, while dramatically reducing the time taken to develop flight-ready hardware.
Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, said the team started Agnikul with the goal of making space accessible to everyone.
“By developing full-scale machines and capabilities in-house, we are building space transportation systems faster, while ensuring precision and quality.”
The facility will enable Agnikul to deliver fully finished, flight-ready hardware within days, significantly shortening development cycles.
This includes the manufacturing of single-piece 3D-printed rocket engines, a technology for which Agnikul holds a US patent.
With the new facility, the company can now build engines with seven times the thrust of its earlier versions.
Indigenous Innovation and Self-Reliance
Agnikul has also indigenously designed and developed a de-powdering machine, a critical post-processing system that ensures space-grade surface finishing. This innovation removes external dependencies, enhancing quality control and manufacturing independence.
Moin SPM, co-founder and COO, added, “Our goal has always been to make access to space reliable and cost-effective. This facility not only advances our own readiness but also contributes to a globally competitive and self-sustaining Indian space industry.”
Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Prof SR Chakravarthy of IIT Madras, Agnikul became the first Indian private firm to sign an MoU with ISRO in 2020 under the IN-SPACe initiative, gaining access to ISRO’s facilities and expertise.
Backed by investors such as Celesta Capital, Rocketship VC, Mayfield India, and others, Agnikul has raised $45 million to date.
In 2023, Agnikul made history by launching the Agnibaan SOrTeD, India’s second privately built rocket and the first to use a semi-cryogenic engine.
The launch took place from the country’s first private launchpad at Sriharikota.
The new facility cements Agnikul’s position as a leader in next-generation space manufacturing and a key contributor to India’s vision of becoming a global hub for affordable and rapid space access.
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