🏔 Echoes From Remote Border Villages Of Himachal

🚀 It's Finally SOrTeD! AgniKul's Agnibaan Launch Ushers in New Era in Indian Space Tech

AgniKul Cosmos, the space tech startup based in Chennai, has successfully launched its Agnibaan rocket, marking a significant milestone in Indian space tech scene.

Trial by Fire: On May 30, AgniKul successfully launched its first sub-orbital rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD at 7:15 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

• It safely descended into the Bay of Bengal, reaching nearly 6 km into low earth orbit (LEO).

Why It Matters: AgniKul is now the second private Indian company, after Skyroot Aerospace, to send a rocket into space.

• AgniKul is also the first Indian space tech startup with its own launchpad and mission control centre, built with ISRO and IN-SPACe’s help.

• The launch validated AgniKul’s proprietary tech like autopilot, navigation, and guidance algorithms, setting the stage for future orbital flights.

AgniKul was founded in 2017 by aerospace engineers Srinath Ravichandran, Moin S P M, and IIT Madras professor S R Chakravarthy.

• Raised $40 million since its establishment in 2017.

• 'AgniKul' which translates as "school of fire" is inspired by the Sanskrit word "gurukul" (school).

Cool Tech: Agnibaan is a versatile two-stage rocket capable of hauling up to 100 kg to a 700 km distance in LEO.

• Plug-and-Play Rocket: Allows payload integration in just two weeks and can be launched from multiple ports.

• 3D-printed Agnilet Engine: World’s first fully 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine, tested at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

Reusable Rockets: AgniKul aims to develop reusable launch vehicles, akin to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. However, CEO Ravichandran mentioned they’re perfecting space travel before aiming at reusability.

Potential customers from various industries — Earth observation, communications, and even unconventional fields like protein crystallisation — are eyeing Agnibaan’s capabilities.

• Company aims to attract clients from India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.

What's Next: This successful launch puts AgniKul alongside Skyroot Aerospace as pioneers in private Indian space ventures.

• ISRO Chairman S Somanath and IN-SPACe’s Pawan K Goenka are thrilled with this big win for India’s private sector within five years of space sector reforms in 2020.

🏔 Nation first! We Will Vote For Modi: Echoes From Remote Border Villages of Himachal

Our ground report from Himachal's remotest border villages — India's 'first villages'— in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency is here!

A Vibrant Tapestry: From busy towns like Mandi and Manali to the serene villages of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, this seat is as diverse as it gets.

• Here actress Kangana Ranaut (BJP) is up against Congress’s Vikramaditya Singh, heir to the Bushahr royal family.

Politics of the place: Historically, this region has favoured royal scions, electing them in 13 out of 19 elections.

• Modi Factor: "The Congress candidate is strong. But for the BJP, it is not about the candidate... Our vote will go only for Modi Ji."

Voices from the Mountains: "We will vote for Modi! Nation first!" asserts Mahesh Negi from Rakchham village.

• Development: Panna Ram Negi, a local from Jeori, credits the Modi govt for its infra push, especially under the PM Gramin Sadak Yojana.

• Meritocracy: According to locals, govt job selections are now based on merit, unlike previous corruption-riddled processes.

• "Tourism has increased, our shops have work. The roads have made our villages accessible to the country... this development is happening to keep the nation together."

World's highest polling station: At 15256 feet, remote villages like Tashigang portray a strong sense of national duty.

Future Aspirations: Locals now seek more basic services like schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities to match the infra growth.

• Better water supply and electricity infrastructure are critical for surviving harsh winters.

Dive Deeper: These mountain communities make their voting choices by balancing their unique cultural heritage with modern development.

Read Ankit Saxena's fascinating ground report from Mandi in toto, here.