Technology Development Board backs Agnikul Cosmos to develop reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle

25 September 2026

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, signed an agreement with Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, Chennai, to support development of the reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle. The support amounts to ₹200 crore, extended through Optionally Convertible Debentures under TDB's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The funding will help Agnikul progress the vehicle from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 and above to TRL-8, targeting full-system reusability rather than conventional single-stage recovery. Key technical areas include a lightweight upper stage, a semi-cryogenic liquid propulsion system with deep throttling and restart capability, and a descent propulsion system for controlled recovery. Agnikul had earlier developed the Agnibaan orbital-class launch vehicle and the Agnilet engine, a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said the initiative supports indigenous technologies that require sustained investment to advance India's space capabilities.