Nellore: Stage set for the launch of indigenously developed scramjet engine technology based on air-breathing propulsion system from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shar in Sriharikota at 6 am on Sunday. The test will be conducted on test platform named Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) from the sounding rocket launch pad. According to sources in Shar, the countdown for the launch will commence at 1.30 am on Sunday and the launch will take place after five-and-half hours at 6 am on Sunday.
During the test, the scramjet engine will be fit on a two-stage RH-560 sounding rocket and launched to an altitude of about 70 km using conventional engines. There, the first stage will break off and fall into the Bay of Bengal. Shar officials said that scramjet engine will enable them to make the launches economical since it enables the launch vehicles to carry a heavier payload into orbit.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Director Dr K. Sivan has offered prayers at Sri Changala Parameswari Temple at Sullurpeta for the success of the experiment on Saturday. He was accompanied by several senior scientists of Isro. The priests performed puja after keeping the replica of the rocket at the feet of the Goddess. Former minister Parasa Rathnam, Telugu Desam leaders Venati Ramachandra Reddy and Venati Parandhama Reddy have received the scientists with temple honours.
