Tag Archives: Indias First

NATIONAL: AVIATION / IAF’s FIRST WOMAN PILOT: Alma mater hails its former student and Squadron Leader Mohana Singh the first woman fighter to fly Tejas

Celebrating the feat of Squadron Leader Mohana Singh, who made history by becoming the first woman pilot to fly Tejas, India’s indigenously built fighter jet, the Global Group of Colleges sent congratulatory messages to their former student and her family….

Celebrating the feat of Squadron Leader Mohana Singh, who made history by becoming the first woman pilot to fly Tejas, India’s indigenously built fighter jet, the Global Group of Colleges sent congratulatory messages to their former student and her family. Mohana Singh became the first woman pilot to fly India’s Tejas fighter jet during the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur.

Sharing sentiments with the entire nation, Global Institute’s vice-chairman Akashdeep Chandi said it was a matter of pride that their alumna has rewritten history and shattered the glass ceiling by becoming a shining example of gender equality in the armed forces. “Mohana Singh was a student of B.Tech (Electronics & Communication) during the period 2009-2013. In 2016, she joined the IAF as one of the first woman fighter pilots. She is truly a trailblazer, whether it’s her feat of flying MiG-21 to joining LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas squadron, an elitist flying squadron of the Indian Air Force,” said Chandi. He also elaborated on her being a prolific student and an all-rounder. “She was a good student and also excelled in extracurricular activities, as she was always an active participant. Mohana Singh has set new standards for future generations of women fighter pilots, reaffirming that sky is no more the limit but just the beginning for those who dare to dream.”

Mohana Singh, who originally hails from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, stayed in Amritsar for four years as her father, Pratap Singh Jitarwal, now retired, served in the IAF as an officer.

source/content: tribuneindia.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: AEROSPACE / MANY FIRSTS : World’s First Rocket with Single Piece 3D Printed Engine launched from Sriharikota

The feat has been achieved entirely through indigenous design and development.

The world’s first rocket with a single piece 3D printed engine was launched from Sriharikota on Thursday by Agnikul Cosmos, the IITMadras-incubated start-up.

The launch was witnessed by various luminaries including Dr S Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe, and A Raj Rajan, Director SHAR.

The ISRO chairman said that the success involving many firsts, including the 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, flight control systems etc. demonstrate the prowess of indigenous design and innovation. “It motivates ISRO to support the Space startups and non-governmental entities for innovation and Atmanirbharata to create a vibrant space ecosystem in the country,” he said.

The feat has been achieved entirely through indigenous design and development after the launch was postponed many a times. ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’ Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator also has the unique distinction of having been launched from India’s first private launch pad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul. It is also India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch.

“The key purpose of this mission, which is also Agnikul’s first flight, is to serve as a test flight, to demonstrate the in-house and home grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’,” a statement issued by the company said.

The Agnibaan SOrTeD is powered by a semi-cryogenic engine that uses commercially available aviation turbine fuel or essentially kerosene and medical grade liquid oxygen, according to the company. Agnikul follows up on the first launch made by an Indian space company which was Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited which in 2022 flew a solid fuelled sounding rocket from Sriharikota.

Speaking about the next steps, Prof Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, founding advisor, Agnikul Cosmos and also the Head of National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), IIT Madras, said, “We are proud to present India’s first Semi-cryo rocket engine, which is also the world’s most integrated single shot 3D printed piece. It signals the ability to rapidly assemble rockets that is unparalleled.”

The Agnikul team consists of over 200 engineers and is associated with NCCRD at IIT Madras. Additionally, the team is guided by 45 former scientists from ISRO who bring invaluable expertise to the endeavour of democratising access to space, a statement said.

The flagship launch vehicle, ‘Agnibaan’, is designed to be compatible with the mobile launchpad called ‘Dhanush,’ allowing for launch flexibility regardless of location. Agnibaan can be configured to accommodate payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, ensuring versatility across a wide range of mission requirements, the statement added. The startup is aiming to fly an orbital mission towards the end 2024-2025.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)