TDB-DST signs ₹200 crore RDI Fund agreement with Agnikul Cosmos for fully reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle
On 25 September 2026 the Technology Development Board (TDB) of DST signed an agreement with Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos for ₹200 crore support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to develop the reusable Agnibaan RLV.
Summary
The project aims to take the technology from TRL-4 and above to TRL-8. The support will be given through Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs). It seeks to move beyond recovering only the first stage of a launch vehicle towards full-system reusability, enabling high-frequency, repeatable launches at lower launch and manufacturing costs.
Key facts
- Agreement
- TDB (DST) and Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Support
- ₹200 crore under the RDI Fund, via Optionally Convertible Debentures
- Vehicle
- Agnibaan RLV — fully reusable launch vehicle
- Goal
- From TRL-4 and above to TRL-8; full-system reusability, not just first stage
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which launch vehicle will Agnikul Cosmos develop with ₹200 crore support from TDB-DST under the RDI Fund?
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Correct answer: B — Agnibaan RLV
The ₹200 crore support is for the fully reusable Agnibaan RLV.
Through which instrument will TDB provide the ₹200 crore support to Agnikul Cosmos?
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Correct answer: D — Optionally Convertible Debentures
The financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs).
Consider the following statements about the TDB-Agnikul agreement of 25 September 2026: 1. The project aims to take the technology from TRL-4 and above to TRL-8. 2. Agnikul Cosmos is headquartered in Bengaluru. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.