India fires Scramjet engine

After US, Russia and European Space Agency, India on Sunday successfully test-fired its futuristic Scramjet Rocket Engine that will help in ISRO’s bid to design air-breathing engines

Mach 6
Speed at which rocket travelled with two Scramjet engines

3,277 kg
Rocket weight at lift-off

5 minutes
Total flight time out of which Scramjet engines worked for 5 seconds

How it works

Super Sonic Combustion RAM Jet (Scramjet) uses hydrogen as fuel and takes in oxygen from the atmosphere as oxidizer. Usually rockets carry both fuel and oxidiser for combustion

It reduces the weight of the vehicle during lift-off by more than half, enabling it to carry heavier payloads into orbit. It’ll cut the launch cost several-fold.

“The launch marks an important landmark in our space programme and demonstrates, yet again, India’s capabilities in space launch technology… The nation is proud of this achievement” —Pranab Mukherjee, President

“Successful testing is a testimony to the hardwork & excellence of our scientists. Congratulations to ISRO… We have seen time and again how our scientists & space programme has made India very proud” —Narendra Modi, PM