The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says a malfunctioning engine thrust controller caused the failure of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on 10 July, but the official report will not be published for another month, writes Radhakrishna Rao.
The three-stage GSLV was carrying the Insat-4C communications satellite when it veered off its predetermined trajectory. Investigators have yet to determine what caused the controller to malfunction.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for the flight of the ISRO four-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in October, which will loft three satellites - the ISRO Indian remote sensing satellite, the Cartosat space capsule recovery experiment and the Indonesian Lapan Tubsat probe.
Source: Flight International
