The much anticipated launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Development 5 (GSLV-D5) was called off on Monday following a leak in the fuel system.
“We were planning the launch of the GSLV-D5 vehicle with the Indian Cryogenic Stage with GSAT-14 communication satellite on board. The countdown progressed well, but we observed a leak in the fuel system of the second stage of the vehicle. And because of this we are calling off the launch,” Isro chairman K Radhakrishnan told reporters.
This mission assumed more significance as the indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) was being flight-tested for the second time by Isro.
Nearly two hours before the scheduled “blast off” at 4:50 pm, when the cryogenic engine was being fuelled up, scientists and officials at the mission control centre were seen engaged in a series of discussions.
The space scientists gathered in small groups and were continuously glued to monitors.
The countdown was put on hold for sometime following an emergency meeting of the scientists.
The Isro chairman said: “Immediate action of the scientists will be to drain out liquid propellant from the second stage.”
“We will then move the GSLV-D5 to the vehicle assembly building. We need to assess the cause of the leak immediately and actions to be taken before further preparations for the launch,” Radhakrishnan said. “So, today there will be no launch of the GSLV.”
Previous attempts
Isro’s previous flight-test of the indigenous cryogenic stage in the GSLV-D3 mission failed on April 15, 2010.
The next GLSV flight with a Russian cryogenic stage also ended in a failure in December 2010.
Successful flight of GSLV-D5 is crucial for India as it would be the first step towards building rockets which can carry heavy payloads of up to four tonne.
“We need to be with our team to look into the matter and then make an assessment. We will announce the new date after the assessment is over,” Radhakrishnan said.
This has been Isro’s first attempt to launch the same platfrom since December 25, 2010.