India joined the US and Russia May 23 as one of the only nations to launch a space shuttle.
The RLV-TD, short for India's Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator, blasted off at 7 a.m. local time on Sriharikota island, and landed about 13 minutes later.
Although it didn't carry a crew (and never will), it was a crucial test for India's first reusable rocket that can deploy payloads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team on Twitter:
Launch of India's first indigenous space shuttle RLV-TD is the result of the industrious efforts of our scientists. Congrats to them.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2016