In a remarkable achievement in India's space mission, Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based private startup, has made history by successfully launching India's first 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine rocket named 'Agnibaan'. The test, known as Sub-Orbital Tech Demonstrator Mission-01 (SOrTeD), took place at 7:15 am on Thursday from Agnikul's launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Center in Sriharikota. The launch, after facing four postponements, was declared a complete success by ISRO chief S Somanath. The rocket, a single-stage vehicle, features the innovative Agnilet engine, measuring 6.2 meters in length and weighing 575 kg, with a payload capacity of 30 to 300 kg. This launch also introduced the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine, a significant departure from the traditional assembly of multiple parts. The engine operates on semi-cryogenic technology, utilizing kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen, making it safer and unaffected by temperature changes. Agnikul Cosmos, established in 2017 at IIT Madras by young founders Srinath Ravichandran and Moin S. P. M, has 250 employees with an average age of 23 and received a substantial investment of 40 million dollars. This successful launch demonstrates India's emerging capabilities in space technology and underlines the potential of private startups in advancing the country's space exploration efforts.