Srinath Ravichandran (Agnikul Cosmos)
Overview
Srinath Ravichandran is the co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian private aerospace startup aimed at revolutionizing space access through the development of innovative small-lift launch vehicles. Under his leadership, Agnikul Cosmos has gained recognition for pioneering fully 3D-printed rocket engines and advancing the concept of customizable, cost-effective launch services. The company showcases India's growing presence in the global space industry by offering solutions tailored to the needs of small satellite missions. Notably, Ravichandran has guided Agnikul in securing substantial investments and forging significant collaborations with key industry entities like ISRO and IN-SPACe.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Agnikul Cosmos has made significant advancements:
- November 2025: Agnikul Cosmos raised INR 67 crore in a mix of equity and debt funding aimed at furthering its development of reusable rockets. This financial boost continues to support its commitment to scalable and environmentally-friendly spaceflight technologies. [1]
- September 2025: At the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Agnikul announced its ambition to develop fully reusable rocket systems. This strategic move is backed by patents secured globally and is poised to significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of launches. [2][3]
- May 2024: Agnikul successfully conducted a suborbital flight test of 'Agnibaan SOrTeD', demonstrating the capabilities of its 3D-printed engines and autopilot software. This test marked a critical step toward its goal of launching satellites into orbit. [4]
- October 2023: Raised $26.7 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total capital raised to nearly $40 million, indicating strong investor confidence in its technology and vision. [5]
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Srinath Ravichandran |
| Born | Details not publicly available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder, CEO of Agnikul Cosmos |
| Known For | Space technology and development of reusable rockets |
| Education | B.E. Electrical Engineering, M.S. Financial Engineering, M.S. Aerospace Engineering |
Early Life and Education
Srinath Ravichandran began his academic journey at the College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. His quest for knowledge led him to the United States, where he pursued a Master's degree in Financial Engineering at Columbia University, followed by another Master's in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His diverse educational background equipped him with a unique blend of skills that later became instrumental in his entrepreneurial ventures. Before venturing into the aerospace sector, Ravichandran gained valuable experience working as a Wall Street trader, which helped hone his analytical and project management skills.
Career and Notable Achievements
Srinath Ravichandran's professional journey took a pivotal turn when he co-founded Agnikul Cosmos in 2017, alongside Moin SPM and Professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy from IIT Madras. The company's emergence as a significant player in the new space economy can be attributed to several milestones:
- Agnibaan Launch Vehicle: Introduced a two-stage small-lift launch vehicle capable of placing a 100 kg satellite into orbit.
- World's First Single-Piece 3D-Printed Engine: Achieved a maiden test of Agnilet, revolutionizing engine manufacturing with 3D printing technology.
- India's First Private Launch Pad: Agnikul established the nation’s first private mission control center and launch pad at Sriharikota.
- Partnerships with ISRO and IN-SPACe: Formed key collaborations for technical know-how and infrastructure access, strengthening its industry position.
Current Work and Impact
Agnikul Cosmos, under Srinath Ravichandran's leadership, continues to be at the forefront of innovations in aerospace technology. Presently, the company focuses on perfecting its reusable rocket technology, aiming for full commercialization of its launch vehicles. These efforts not only support aspirations for cost-effective space travel but also reflect India's broader ambition of becoming a global hub for small satellite launches. Srinath's vision for Agnikul emphasizes sustainability and technological excellence, traits that are reshaping industry standards.
Conclusion
Srinath Ravichandran’s journey with Agnikul Cosmos illustrates a significant contribution to the future of space travel. His commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability positions Agnikul as a trailblazer in the space industry. With ongoing projects targeting reusable technologies and satellite deployment efficiencies, Srinath's leadership continues to impact India’s role in the global space economy, promising further advancements in the accessibility and affordability of space exploration.