GSLV failed to put Earth Observation Satellite into orbit

GSLV rocket of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) failed to put India’s largest earth observation satellite (EOS-3) into the orbit. It failed because of failure to ignite the cryogenic stage of the GSLV.

Highlight

• It failed even though the first and second stages of the rocket had performed normally.
• ISRO’s operation was started after facing several hurdles caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The rocket was to place the satellite in orbit with an objective of providing near real-time imaging of large areas of India at frequent intervals and for quick monitoring of natural disasters.

About the Launcher

• This 51.7-metre-tall rocket comprise of four stages lifted off majestically on August 12.
• The four-stage rocket was the first that carried a four-metre dia ‘Ogive Payload Fairing’ at the top of the vehicle. It was fitted to accommodate larger payloads.
• It was supposed to place the EOS, the state-of-the-art satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• It is the eighth flight with indigenous cryogenic engine and 14th flight of GSLV.
• It also marks the 79th launch vehicle mission from Sriharikota.

Background

The GSLV satellite, originally called as GISAT-1, weighing 2,268 kg was scheduled to be launched on March 5, 2020. However, it was postponed before the lift-off due to ‘technical errors’. Later, the Covid-induced lockdown delayed the mission. Post-lockdown, it was scheduled to launch on March 28, 2021 but it was again postponed due to ‘minor issue’ with the satellite.

Objective of the mission

Objective of this mission was:

1. To provide near real-time imaging at frequent intervals of large area regions,
2. Quick monitoring of natural disasters and episodic events
3. To obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, water bodies including for disaster warning, cloud burst, cyclone monitoring and thunderstorm monitoring.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021