ISRO Cryogenic Launch Fails

GSLV Mark III engine test (Photo: ISRO)

ISRO’s effort to develop an indigenous cryogenic upper stage suffered a serious setback when the vehicle tumbled end over end and fell into the Indian Ocean. In a brief statement, the Indian space agency said:

GSLV-D3 vehicle lifted off as planned at 16:27 hrs after a countdown procedure lasting for 29 hours. The countdown went off as planned. GSLV-D3 vehicle performance was normal up to the end of the second stage (GS2) till 293 seconds.

Afterwards, the Cryogenic Stage was to ignite and burn for about 720 seconds to provide the necessary velocity to inject GSAT-4 Satellite into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It is yet to be ascertained whether the cryogenic engine did ignite. The vehicle was seen tumbling, lost altitude and finally splashed down in the sea.

Detailed analysis of the flight data is being carried out to find out the exact reasons for the failure and take corrective measures to realise the next flight test of the indigenous Cryogenic Engine and Stage within the next one year.

This was India first attempt to launch its own cryogenic upper stage. Previously, it had used Russian cryogenic stages; however, that agreement did not allow for technology transfer. The indigenous stage is seen as a way for India to become fully independent in space and to enter the lucrative satellite launch market. ISRO has been working on developing this technology for about 18 years.