ISRO to carry out a test flight of Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) by second quarter of 2015 The reusable vehicle will bring down the cost of satellite launches

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will carry out a test flight of Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) by second quarter of 2015. Technology Demonstrator winged body vehicle weighing 1.5T will be lofted to a height of 70 km using solid booster, thus attaining 5 times the speed of sound. Thereafter it will descend by gliding and splashing down into the sea. This test flight would demonstrate the Hypersonic aerodynamics characteristics, Avionics system, Thermal protection system, Control system and Mission management.