India prepares second test of Agni-V missile Sunday

India is preparing for the second test Sunday of its longest-range Agni-V nuclear-capable missile that can hit targets deep inside China and Pakistan.

Large numbers of scientists have gathered at the Inner Wheeler Island - a launch site in the coastal district of Bhadrak, about 200 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar.
"If the weather cooperates, the test is likely to be carried out Sunday," a scientist told IANS.

The first test of this home-grown missile, with a range of more than 5,000 km, was carried out successfully from the same site April 19, 2012. "We are also hopeful of a successful trial this time," he said.

It is likely to go through a series of more tests before being inducted into the armed forces, he said.

The surface-to-surface missile is 17 metres long, two metres wide and weighs around 50 tonnes. It can carry a payload of about 1,500 kg.