Since the first failure of Space Launch Vehicle-3 or SLV-3 in 1979, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has seen five major setbacks, the latest being GSLV-D3 yesterday. The experimental launch of the Rs 330-crore space vehicle, however, has been termed a ‘partial success’.
Top space scientists of India are meeting in Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Director (Projects) S Ramakrishnan chairing it, to analyse data for the cause of the failure of the mission.
Out of the three objectives of GSLV-D3 — to develop and launch an indigenous cryogenic-stage, engine and other systems; evaluate the performance of the cryogenic-stage and engine; and put communication satellite GSAT-4 into orbit — the first was achieved, while it failed to meet the others.
The flight-test of the indigenous cryogenic engine and the stage as part of the mission was not successful, dashing India’s hopes of joining the elite club of space-faring nations possessing the complex technology required to launch heavier satellites.
The country’s space programme started from level zero. “For the cryogenic engine project, for instance,” said U R Rao, former chairman of Isro, “we did not even have liquid hydrogen. We had to develop the technology to make liquid hydrogen. GSLV-D3 was not a failure, given the prevalent technology denial regime.”
The geopolitical and economic situation of the 1960s and 70s had compelled India to initiate its own launch vehicle programme. During the first phase (1960-1970s), the country developed a sounding rocket programme, and by the 1980s research yielded the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 and the more advanced Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), complete with the supporting infrastructure. Further research resulted in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
Meanwhile, “the failure of the GSLV-D3 mission on Thursday will not have an impact on Chandrayaan-2 mission scheduled for 2013,” said K Radhakrishnan, chairman, Isro. Launched amid much hopes, and powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine for the first time, the mission ended in failure after the rocket engine failed to ignite. As per Isro’s plans, a GSLV powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine will put Chandrayaan-2 in orbit. The Chandrayaan-2 mission will also put a lander-cum-rover on the lunar soil.
Ramakrishnan said the cryogenic technology was the most complex of all types of rocket propulsion. France and the US had also met with failures in using such engines. “Failures in cryogenic technology are not unusual. It is difficult to test the cryogenic engine even on the ground. We are disappointed anyway,” he added.
U R Rao said: “We need the technology to launch heavier satellites and even tap the global market in future for launching heavy satellites. Now, for manned mission we will need the cryogenic technology.”
The GSLV-D3 rocket, including the indigenous cryogenic stage, cost Rs 180 crore.
