For the first time in its history, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to undertake the maiden launch of its very own version of a space shuttle, a fully made-in-India effort.
Very soon before the monsoon sets in, India's space port at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh will witness the launch of the indigenously made Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD).
After launch, it will be glided back onto a virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal.
This flight will test the capability of the vehicle to survive a re-entry at speeds higher than that of sound, so it is called a hyper sonic experiment (HEX).
Today, a sleek winged body almost the weight and size of sports utility vehicle (SUV) is being given final touches at Sriharikota.
The scientists at the ISRO believe that they could reduce the cost of launching the vehicle into space by as much as ten times if the reusable technology succeeds.
K. Sivan, director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, says these are just the first baby steps towards a big leap.
