Editor’s Note
This article highlights a significant achievement in aerospace engineering by Indian startup Agnikul Cosmos, which has developed the world’s largest 3D-printed rocket engine using the durable superalloy Inconel. This innovation marks a notable step forward in manufacturing technology and the global space industry.
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has made history by creating the world’s largest 3D printed rocket engine. The engine was built using Inconel, a high-performance superalloy known for its strength and heat resistance.
The successful engine, approximately one meter long, was manufactured as a completely integrated component from fuel inlet to exhaust, without any welds, joints, or fasteners.
Building on this achievement, Agnikul has secured a US patent for the design and production process of this rocket engine.
Securing a patent in the United States means Agnikul has obtained exclusive legal rights to its invention in one of the world’s largest and most competitive markets. This will prevent others from making, using, or selling the patented technology without permission. This patent is a rare achievement for an Indian-origin design, reflecting the startup’s growing influence in global space technology and strengthening India’s position in next-generation rocket manufacturing.
Agnikul Cosmos’s engine represents a major leap in aerospace engineering. Before this new method, engineers had to rely on traditional assembly processes to build rocket engines, often going through the difficult process of welding and struggling to join multiple parts. The use of the nickel-chromium-based superalloy ‘Inconel’ ensures the engine can withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during rocket launch. The size and complexity of this engine are superior to previous models.
Agnikul’s innovation is a clear example of how advanced 3D printing is revolutionizing space technology, making rocket production faster, safer, and more scalable.
The US patent secured by Agnikul Cosmos is a significant intellectual property achievement that underscores the originality and technical sophistication of their design. This patent provides legal protection in a highly competitive global market historically dominated by established aerospace giants.
This achievement also enhances India’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace innovation, likely attracting global attention and investment. It paves the way for increased collaboration between Indian startups and international space agencies.