BERLIN - The European Space Agency is preparing the first launch of a prototype spacecraft capable of returning to Earth.
The Intermediate Experimental Vehicle, or IXV, is due to be launched into orbit at 1300 GMT Wednesday from ESA's spaceport in French Guiana.
Described as a space plane, the IXV looks like a smaller version of the now-retired U.S. Space Shuttle but without the tail or discernible "wings."
It is being developed to give Europe an independent, reusable space transportation system further down the line.
The five-metre-long, 2-ton vehicle will ascend to a height of around 450 kilometres before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean about 100 minutes later.
