GSLV-D3 Mission Fails

India’s quest for achieving total independence in cryogenic technology dating back to over 25 years suffered a setback yesterday when the indigenously built cryogenic engine of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle ( GSLV – D3 ) failed to ignite.15-04-20210 , 4:27 PM was a crucial moment in the history of Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ). That was the launching time of GSLV – D3. But at all at a sudden turned down when the vehicle tumbled to Bay of Bengal.

The mission was to put GSAT-4 , a communication satellite to orbit. ISRO was eagerly looking forward to the flight indifferent from all earlier other missions. It was because this was the first time that ISRO was flying a GSLV with indigenously built cryogenic engine. All the earlier GSLVs prior to this (2001 to 2007) were back powered by Russian cryogenic engines.

The GSLV-D3 launch count down started two days ago at Satheesh Dhavan Space Centre , Sriharikkotta. The lift off was planned at 4:27 PM IST on 15-04-2010 Thursday. The launching took place at right time. Everything was okay till the end of second stage which was fired by liquid propellants. It was in third stage the cryogenic engine to be ignited. After firing the cryogenic engine for 12 minutes it would have to inject GSAT-4 into orbit. But problem developed at this third stage.

“We are not sure whether the main cryogenic engine ignited or not. This has to be confirmed first after analyzing the various parameters monitored during the first two stage of flight of GSLV-D3. The tumbling means vehicle lost control and altitude. “ Dr. K.Radhakrishnan , the ISRO chairman told to reporters.

“ There was a problem in the start up of the cryogenic engine. The team behind this project has all capability to analyse the reasons of failure and to take corrective measures. Our target is to fly a GSLV with our indigenously built cryogenic engine within one year. But it will be tough.” Mr.P.S.Veeraraghavan , Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre , Trivandrum said.

However the vehicle had not destroyed as its trajectory was through a safe corridor over the Bay of Bengal. So every Indian can hope the cloud that covered the faces in Mission Control Centre of Sriharikkotta as well as each Indian who watched the historic moment will be replaced by a full moon smile very soon.