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 can strike targets between 25 to 40 kilometres (15 to 25 miles) away, beyond the usual visual range, PTI said.

The 3.8 metre high prototype was test-fired from a special fixed launcher on Sunday, PTI reported quoting defence scientists.

The missile also was fired from a fixed launcher during its debut test on Friday.

Astra is a new system in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and is 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 missile would form the main interception arsenal of the multi-role combat aircraft.

The 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 types and is capable of inflight refuelling.

SPACE.WIRE