Seizure of rotor or rupture of the turbine casing could be the probable cause for the failure of the indigenous cryogenic engine that led the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D3) crash into the sea this April, says an expert committee. Read more
The third developmental flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D3) conducted on April 15, 2010 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota, primarily for the flight testing of indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), could not accomplish the mission objectives. Consequently, ISRO had instituted a two-tier process to carry out an in-depth analysis of the flight performance, identify the causes of failure and recommend corrective measures. Read more
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to relaunch the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with a home-grown cryogenic engine in a year's time after the failure in April this year. Read more
Amid the din of big rockets and cryogenics, a small but very significant step into space, which plunged into the sea along with the GSat-4 satellite, went completely unnoticed. Even its mention in the brochures and other publicity literature was so unobtrusive and couched in jargon that perhaps an enthusiast would probably have glossed over its significance. We are speaking of the 'plasma thrusters'. Read more
A team of Indian space scientists has established that the indigenously built cryogenic engine had ignited for a second during the failed GSLV mission Thursday. Read more
Flight testing of the Indigenous Cryogenic Stage in GSLV-D3 Mission not successful
The flight-testing of the indigenous Cryogenic Engine and the Stage conducted in the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-D3 this afternoon (April 15, 2010) was not successful. Read more
Not withstanding the setback in its GSLV-D3/GSAT-4 Mission, the Indian Space Agency (ISRO) will go ahead with its GSAT series utilising two remaining Russian supplied Cryogenic Engines, ISRO Chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan informed here today. Read more
India's GSLV-D3 powered by home-grown cryogenic engine for the first time failed in its mission as the rocket carrying a communication satellite deviated on Thursday (April 15) from its path and went out of control shortly after its lift-off from the spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Read more
India's bid to launch an advanced communications satellite into orbit for the first time by using a cryogenic engine has failed, scientists say. The rocket took off as planned but the phase powered by the new engine failed to perform and deviated from its path. Cryogenic engines are rocket motors designed for fuels that have to be held at very low temperatures to be liquid. They would otherwise be gas. Read more