It was the second test of the missile named Astra (Weapon) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Orissa's capital Bhubaneswar.

The Astra is powered by solid propellant and has a strike range of 25 to 40 kilometres (15 to 25 miles).

On Friday, a prototype of the missile was launched from a ground-based fixed launcher with the help of a booster engine.

Astra is a new system in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and described by analysts as a tactical weapon system.

According to reports, the Astra missile is being developed for India's ambitious Light Combat Aircraft christened "Tejas" (Brilliance) by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee earlier this month.

The multi-role combat aircraft -- in development since 1983 -- has been a long-cherished dream of India's air force chiefs who want to reduce the country's dependency on foreign imports.

The fighter, whose development was partly delayed by the US sanctions imposed after India's nuclear tests in 1998, can carry seven weapon stations and has a provision for inflight refuelling.

SPACE.WIRE