This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-36355842
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
India launches mini space shuttle | India launches mini space shuttle |
(about 1 hour later) | |
India has launched an unmanned model space shuttle, joining the race to develop reusable spacecraft. | |
The 7m scale model took off from Andhra Pradesh and was expected to fly about 70km (43 miles) into the atmosphere before coming down at sea. | |
Since Nasa stopped its Space Shuttle programme in 2011, there has been strong international competition to design alternative reusable spacecraft. | |
Such vehicles significantly cut the cost of space exploration. | |
India has been putting substantial research and resources into its space programme. | |
A Mars orbiter launched in 2013 is its most high profile space venture to date. | |
It hopes to launch a full scale reusable shuttle within a decade. | |
Hypersonic speed | |
Monday's launch of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD) took place at a site at Sriharikota. | |
The 1.75-tonne craft was not expected to survive the flight but was designed to enable the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to collect important data on hypersonic speed and autonomous landing. | |
The model was developed over the past five years at a cost of 1bn rupees ($14m; £9.6m). | The model was developed over the past five years at a cost of 1bn rupees ($14m; £9.6m). |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the "industrious efforts" of the scientists involved. | |
Since the US retired its space shuttle programme, private companies like billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX and Amazon owner Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin are trying to fill the gap. | Since the US retired its space shuttle programme, private companies like billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX and Amazon owner Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin are trying to fill the gap. |
Japan, Europe and Russia are also in the testing stages for similar technology. | Japan, Europe and Russia are also in the testing stages for similar technology. |