Today, Agnikul Cosmos, an innovative private space startup in India, had to overcome another challenge when their rocket, the Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator), was canceled moments before takeoff. Due to a number of technical problems, the AgniKul Maiden rocket launch has been postponed four times.
The Agnikul team exhibits incredible perseverance and dedication to their goal in the face of adversity. The sophisticated engine driving their rocket is one that even the seasoned Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still learning how to operate.

After four such delays, the team—many of whom are engineers in their 20s—has demonstrated extraordinary forbearance and tenacity.
In the space exploration industry, these kinds of delays are not unusual. Past examples, like the multiple delays that Boeing’s Starliner launch with astronaut Sunita Williams experienced, show that challenges arise for even the most seasoned teams.

Agnikul’s cautious approach conforms to industry best practices and emphasizes the idea of putting “safety first.”

This year’s March 22 marked the first attempt, which was abandoned during the countdown. April 7 was the date of the last attempt, which was canceled just before takeoff.

This was the first test flight for the startup, which was established in 2017 by two young aerospace engineers with the goal of creating “a place where people learn to use fire” and was housed at IIT-Madras.

The rocket, which is 6.2 meters long and 575 kg in weight, was intended to take off from Sriharikota and crash into the Bay of Bengal.