Indian aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos delayed the maiden launch of its Agnibaan rocket once more due to technical issues, according to sources at the launch site. The liftoff was deferred during pre-launch checks, marking the second postponement by the rocket maker without providing specific reasons.

Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for the privatization and commercialization of the space sector, Agnikul aims to conduct India's second private rocket launch, following Skyroot's Vikram-S rocket launch in 2022.

The Agnibaan, a customizable two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kg into a 700 km orbit, represents a significant technological advancement for India. Notably, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has yet to successfully deploy a semi-cryogenic engine, which utilizes a combination of liquid and gas propellant.

This delay comes amidst global interest from various companies, including Big Tech and startups, seeking to launch small satellites for purposes such as climate monitoring and providing internet connectivity to remote areas.