The Indian space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) fully indigenous Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) has suffered a setback, with a recent test failure likely to cause a two-year delay to first launch.
ISRO, which builds India's communication satellites, had planned to offer launches into geostationary orbit within two years with the new indigenous GSLV. The delay follows test problems when a liquid-hydrogen leak and subsequent fire caused the shutdown of the first test of India's cryogenic liquid-oxygen/liquid hydrogen upper-stage engine at the Cryogenic Test Complex at Mahendragiri in February.
The first GSLV launch with a Russian cryogenic upper stage rather than the Indian unit could be made in the next quarter when it will place the GSAT satellite into orbit. A second Russian-supported launch is planned before the indigenous booster is introduced.
ISRO has also experienced delays in developing a second launch pad at Sriharikota to support GSLV launches. India's space programme includes plans for three new Indian Remote Sensing satellites, which will incorporate high- resolution capability for possible monitoring of neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, the Indian Government is looking at the possibility of allowing private firms to participate in the country's communications satellite systems, including the government-operated Insat satellite system.
Source: Flight International
