Agni-II Prime being put on the launch pad ahead of the Range Integration Checks at the Launch Complex-4 in Wheeler Island on December 9. Photo: Special Arrangement
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) scientists, engineers and system specialists have begun the last-minute preparations for the launch of the much-awaited Agni-II Prime missile from Wheeler Island. The missile's maiden test is now expected on Friday, December 10 from the Launch Complex-4. The launch, which was originally scheduled for today (December 9), had to be postponed by one day due to inclement weather and continuous rain that hit the Orissa coast, due to depression.
Sources confirm that the flight readiness review (FRR) meeting was held on December 8 and the crucial Range Integration Checks (RIC) are being held on December 9. "If the weather holds back, then we are sure for a launch tomorrow. The Met department says that it will be overcast for the next 24 hours with the possibility of slight drizzle. Though Agni-II Prime is an all-weather missile, we are keen to test it for the first time under normal circumstances so that we get every minute data during the launch accurately," an official said.
While this piece is being pushed to the blogspace, the missile is already shifted to the launch pad with the launch managers engrossed in a series of internal and external checks.
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