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India launches mini space shuttle | India launches mini space shuttle |
(about 11 hours later) | |
India has launched an unmanned model space shuttle, joining the race to develop reusable spacecraft. | 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. | Since Nasa stopped its Space Shuttle programme in 2011, there has been strong international competition to design alternative reusable spacecraft. |
Such vehicles could significantly cut the cost of space exploration. | |
India has been putting substantial research and resources into its space programme. | 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 | Hypersonic speed |
Monday's launch of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD) took place at a site at Sriharikota. | 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 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. | 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, have been working towards filling the gap - although their interest is in making traditional rockets re-usable as opposed developing winged vehicles that can make horizontal landings. | |
Japan, Europe and Russia are also in the testing stages for similar shuttle technology. |