Embarking on a journey from Sriharikota to the vast expanse of space, the Agnibaan rocket stands as a testament to human ingenuity, being the pioneer in global rocketry crafted through the innovative technique of 3D printing. Noteworthy are the contributions of Umamaheswari and Saraniya Periyaswamy, whose pivotal roles in this endeavor have significantly slashed the cost and duration of forthcoming space expeditions.

In an exclusive interview, these two luminaries shed light on the transformative impact of 3D printing across various domains, ranging from medicine to architecture and even fashion. “It is through the collaborative efforts under the auspices of IIT Madras that Agnikul Cosmos unveiled the groundbreaking 3D Agniban rocket, heralding its triumphant launch from Sriharikota on the penultimate day of the previous month,” articulated Periyaswamy.

Umamaheswari delineated the myriad advantages inherent in these 3D-printed rockets compared to their conventional counterparts. “The conventional twelve-week ordeal of rocket construction has been condensed to a mere 75 hours, marking a staggering 60% reduction in both time and expenditure. Utilizing a semi-cryogenic engine and eschewing the conventional heavy hydrogen in favor of liquid oxygen and kerosene have further optimized the efficiency of this system. Additionally, the streamlined design has facilitated an increase in payload capacity,” elucidated Umamaheswari.

With a background in Aeronautics from the Madras Institute of Technology and enriched by her stint at the Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Umamaheswari reflected on the arduous yet rewarding journey. “Each endeavor demanded unwavering dedication, with precision being the cornerstone. Witnessing our rocket traverse a distance of 700 km to its intended destination filled me with immense pride. This accomplishment serves as a catalyst for our future endeavors,” expressed Umamaheswari.

Saraniya, hailing from Port Blair, assumed the pivotal role of vehicle director for the project. Armed with a degree in Civil Engineering from Dr. BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology, coupled with a Master’s degree in Ocean Technology from IIT-Madras, she transitioned seamlessly into the realm of space exploration, leveraging her engineering prowess.

“Operating within constraints of limited resources and stringent deadlines posed a formidable challenge. However, the jubilation of success dawned upon me upon confirmation of the rocket’s rendezvous with its destination from the mission control room. It is indeed heartening to witness the burgeoning interest of young women in the realm of space exploration,” remarked Saraniya.