Building on patents and test success, Agnikul eyes fully reusable rockets

BENGALURU: Spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced plans to build fully reusable rockets, committing to ensure that no part of its vehicles is expended or left behind. The declaration came at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, which is themed “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.”The Chennai-based start-up said its reusability push builds on a set of recent patents in the US, Europe, and India, covering multi-purpose and recovery technologies. “A key focus is its combined launch vehicle and satellite system, along with semi-cryogenic propellant technology to support refurbishment and re-flights,” the firm said.Agnikul said it’s leveraging momentum from its earlier controlled-ascent test, which validated its engine design, autopilot software, avionics and aerodynamic characterisation. It added that it is now accelerating work on commercially viable reusable spaceflight solutions.“We have consistently designed our vehicles to ensure affordability and flexibility are built in from day one,” said Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder & CEO. He credited support from Isro and IN-SPACe for enabling the company to explore stage recovery and reuse.Moin SPM, Co-founder & COO, said small launchers must adopt reusability to become commercially viable. “Our test flight last year was not just a sounding rocket but an amalgamation of almost all the technologies required for controlled ascent,” he said.The company recently inaugurated an additive manufacturing facility in Chennai dedicated to aerospace hardware, which it said will cut rocket production costs by 50%. Agnikul sees its integrated approach as a way to deliver globally competitive launch services for small satellites while reducing orbital debris, reinforcing India’s role in the international space economy.