Slashdot Mirror
India Plans Hypersonic Space Plane by 2007
MaximusTheGreat writes "While India has announced plans for a hypersonic plane (speeds greater than mach 5) before, this is the first time a firm date for test of an unmanned plane has been given. Final version of this plane called Aerobic Vehicle for Hypersonic Aerospace Transportation (AVATAR) is envisaged to deliver a 500 kg to 1,000 kg payload to low earth orbit. It will reduce the cost of space travel to a fraction to what it is today, by being completely reusable. Also, by allowing hypersonic speeds, it would for example reduce the travel time from Sydney, Australia to New York to less than 3 hrs. The crucial technology in the development of Hypersonic planes is supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet). India has already demonstrated the basic technology of ramjets by the development of world's fastest cruise missile Brahmos which outspeeds famous US Tomahawk by three times, and by ground tests of scramjets. US, Australia and Japan are also pursuing similar programs."
Cat got your tongue? (something important seems to be missing from your comment ... like the body or the subject!)
Snacks -- it's the snacks what are missing.
Metamoderating with benign indifference and a dash of randomness since 1812.
These countries (China, India, et al) have larger problems than the lack of a space program
As an aside, China is doing something about its larger problems, the space program is very minor compared to social and economic development going on, but is a valuable and low-cost hedge against space-related development/exploration in the future (its not like when space becomes the 'next big thing' a space program can be constructed overnight).
My main point(!) is whether this creates risk. India has a foul history of conflict with its neighbour Pakistan, and fought a war with China in the 50s (though this, thankfully, seems to be a thing of the past). Were India creating a purely non-military programme then great, if it were to announce the creation of a new super-fast ICBM everyone would jump on the backs. I hope this is not a charade for a super-fast ICBM and that the Indian government doesn't see the need to accelerate the new nuclear arms race.
On balance I accept this for its technical and commercial benefits, but the nuclear risk sticks deep in the back of my mind.
karma karma karma karma karma chameleon, you come and go, you come and go.
What good is basic infrastructure if 10 mintues after you achive it your enimies in [Pakatain or China] invade in destroy it all?
There needs to be a balance. Without basic infrastructure you cannot create defense, without defense you cannot hold your infrastructure.
Unless you would argue that China and Pakistan are not willing to invade India. I would disagree there. (though I wouldn't be entirely surprized if India attacked first)