Chennai: Heralding a new era in the Indian Space programme, space tech start-up Agnikul Cosmos has set up its first private Launch Pad and Mission Control Center (MCC) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Range, Sriharikota.
It was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman S Somanath and this private launchpad marks the beginning of a new era in Indian Space.
Agnikul’s upcoming guided and controlled launch will be carried out from this facility.
This is India’s first ever launchpad designed and operated by a private player.
The facility which was designed by Agnikul and executed in support with ISRO and IN-SPACe has two sections to it – the Agnikul Launch Pad (ALP) and the Agnikul Mission Control Center (AMCC).
All critical systems connecting these two sections – which are 4 km away from each other are redundant to ensure 100% operationality during countdown.
The launchpad is specifically built keeping in mind the ability to support liquid stage controlled launches, while also addressing the need for ISRO’s range operations team to monitor key flight safety parameters during launches.
Additionally it has the ability to, as necessary, share data and other critical information with ISRO’s Mission Control Center.
