The Rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch flight that was designed and manufactured indigenously through 3D Printing or additive manufacturing. 

• This test flight aims to demonstrate in-house and home-grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’.

About Agnibaan Rocket

• Agnibaan is a two-stage rocket with a capacity to carry payloads ranging from 30kg to 300 kg to a height of 700 km. 
• It can access both low- and high-inclination orbits and is completely mobile, designed for accessing more than 10 launch ports.
• It was launched from India’s first privately developed launchpad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• Its Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE) i.e. Agnilet utilizes a propellant combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene. 
  • SCE uses a fuel that is storable at higher temperatures compared to cryogenic engines, which makes handling and storage simpler while offering high performance.
    • Cryogenic engines use liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidizer at extremely low temperatures.
  • ISRO is developing semi-cryogenic propulsion systems for enhancing payload capability of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 and for future launch vehicles.