India has achieved a significant milestone in its space journey with the launch of a rocket featuring a fully 3D-printed engine on May 30, 2024. This development highlights the potential of additive manufacturing in aerospace, simplifying rocket construction by reducing the number of components while maintaining precision. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has steadily expanded its presence in the global space sector, from satellite launches to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
At the forefront of India's aerospace innovation is Prof. Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). He combines technical expertise, practical ingenuity, and forward-looking ideas to shape India's ambitions in aerospace and aviation. Chakravarthy's work has contributed to research on spray diagnostics, combustion instabilities, and acoustic suppression, supporting the training of numerous PhD students. His expertise and drive have helped turn emerging aerospace technologies into practical applications.
Chakravarthy's interest in aerospace began in his youth, influenced by his academic choices and fascination with physics. He recalls that his initial interest in aerospace came from the fact that his JEE rank allowed him to choose it as a branch. His curiosity deepened after he joined the programme, actively participating in class discussions and connecting with classmates who shared his interest in flight. This early fascination laid the foundation for a career combining academic research with practical innovation.
After specialised training at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Chakravarthy returned to India to work on aerospace challenges. His decade-long work in combustion, including contributions to acoustic suppression for the GSLV Mark III rocket, strengthened his technical expertise and helped lay the groundwork for indigenous rocket technologies at IIT Madras. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's space programme, saying it continues to soar higher, powered by India's youth, and is getting more advanced and impactful.
Advances in 3D printing have opened new possibilities for rocket design and manufacturing, particularly by reducing the number of components and the time required for assembly. Chakravarthy says that 3D printing drastically reduces part counts, eliminating nearly a thousand parts and about 3,000 welds in a single step. This allows for faster assembly with high precision, completed in just a few days. By owning and operating their own 3D printers, his team is expanding its production capabilities to support launch-on-demand requirements.
Beyond rockets, Chakravarthy is exploring electric aviation through The ePlane Company, developing electric aircraft and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) solutions for India's changing transport needs. He envisions "ubiquitous flying" — a future in which people consider flying as an alternative to driving for daily commutes, intercity journeys, and direct trips between destinations. Electric aircraft and VTOLs could serve routes within cities, while hybrid aircraft operating from conventional runways could make short-haul intercity travel more practical.
Looking ahead, Chakravarthy sees opportunities in emerging technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, sustainable fuels, reusable rockets, and sea-based launches. These innovations could improve aerospace design, reduce environmental impacts, and expand access to space. India’s space programme also has ambitions beyond Earth orbit, including human spaceflight and future lunar exploration, which could open the door to even more ambitious missions, such as a trip to Mars.
Key points
- India launched a rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine on May 30, 2024, marking a milestone in its space journey.
- Prof. Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy is driving India's aerospace innovation with his work on 3D-printed rockets and electric planes.
- India's space programme aims to expand access to space with emerging technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, and reusable rockets.
