Indian space agency ISRO develops supersonic combustion engine...

Indian space ageny developed supersonic engine & tested for 7 seconds ...

Scientists this week tested a prototype Scramjet engine for seven seconds, simulating travel at six times the speed of sound, said a space agency spokesman, S Krishnamurthy

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BANGALORE: As part of its advanced technology initiative in air-breathing propulsion, the Thiruvananthapuram-based Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has designed and developed a Supersonic Combustion Ramjet, recording a major technological breakthrough. With this, ISRO has taken a big step forward in its search for reduced launch costs, a key factor in emerging competitive in the global satellite launch market.

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I know its very early to say anything. They don't have high budget like US & one never know when they will scrap the project because of insufficient fund. But if goes in production than it will be great news. I never knew that US is planning / already using scramjet engine to launch satellites. but according to article the cost of sending satellite in orbit will reduce to 10-15% of current cost.


[edit on 11-1-2006 by netscape]

[edit on 11-1-2006 by netscape]

There were plans in the 1980's for the USAF to develope a scramjet bomber, but the plan was scrapped because of the high price and the lack of interest at the time.