Tech3 | Agnikul Cosmos turns fifth time lucky; Why credit line on UPI has not taken off; and more

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In today’s newsletter:?

• India's pride: Agnikul Cosmos successfully fires Agnibaan
• Why credit line on UPI has not taken off
• Rejig at Cashfree

India's pride: Agnikul Cosmos successfully fires Agnibaan

Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos isn't afraid of a little perseverance.

After scrubbing four previous launch attempts, the spacetech startup came back stronger than ever to achieve a historic feat

Fifth time's the charm: The launch vehicle maker, Agnikul, today became the first Indian entity (not even ISRO has done it yet) to successfully test Agnibaan , a semi-cryogenic engine-powered test rocket, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

• FYI. The semi-cryogenic engine, Agnilet, is 3D printed

The launch comes just two days after Agnikul aborted the previous launch attempt 10 seconds into the countdown due to issues in the rocket's ignition system.

Tell me more: Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD) is a single-stage rocket fueled by a semi-cryogenic engine.?

• The rocket is suborbital, which means that after lifting off it does not reach Earth's orbit, instead its trajectory is planned to return to Earth

In 2022, Skyroot Aerospace became the first private player from India to launch a rocket into space. They too had launched a suborbital rocket.

Accolades all around: Agnikul's achievement has ignited excitement across sectors.

• ISRO chairman S Somanath said that the startup’s success inspires the space agency to pledge support for private players in the ecosystem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “(this)..is a momentous occasion for India’s space sector and a testament to the remarkable ingenuity of our Yuva Shakti”

Also read: Meet the ex-Wall St trader, ops expert and IIT Madras professor behind Agnikul Cosmos

What next:? Agnikul is already gearing up for its next mission: an orbital launch by the end of FY25 !

• Moin SPM, the startup’s chief operations officer, said that customers are lining up to hitch a ride on their rockets

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