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RAS question

Which Indian company launched the world's first 3D-printed rocket engine?

Correct answer: (B) Agnikul Cosmos.

Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD, the world's first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine.

  1. (A)

    Bellatrix

  2. (B)

    Agnikul Cosmos

  3. (C)

    Pixxel

  4. (D)

    Skyroot

Explanation

Agnikul Cosmos is the company linked to this milestone because its Agnibaan SOrTeD Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator was launched from Sriharikota on 30 May 2024 with a single-piece 3D-printed engine. This engine was Agnilet, a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine made using DMLS technology, reducing the engine from thousands of parts to one. PIB's release supports the core identification: Agnikul, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up, launched the world's first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, and ISRO and IN-SPACe described the mission as involving a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine. That is why Agnikul Cosmos, not another Indian space start-up, is the answer.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) Bellatrix is not supported by the PIB release, which names Agnikul as the start-up behind the launch and the single-piece 3D-printed engine.
  • (C) Pixxel is not the company linked to the Agnibaan SOrTeD launch with the 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
  • (D) Skyroot is a different Indian space start-up, but the launch and engine milestone are attributed to Agnikul Cosmos.

Concept

This tests current Science and Technology, especially India's private space-sector milestones and launch-vehicle innovation. Such questions recur in RAS because they connect start-up-led space activity with indigenous design and national technology policy.

Source

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