Justin Joseph
SENIOR MEMBER
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2010
- Messages
- 2,216
- Reaction score
- 0
Launch failures common: Experts
MUMBAI: "Failures are quite common in space flights and are considered more as learning experiences," said National Space Society, Indian chapter, chief Suresh Naik, while referring to Thursday's failure of GSLV mission powered for the first time by an indigenous cryogenic engine. NSS is affiliated to the main American body.
Naik, a former Isro employee, told TOI from Pune years ago even the first rocket flights in the US and Japan powered with cryogenic engines failed. "Though we feel disappointed, there is nothing to feel disheartened about. In space missions this is expected. We do not have the data about the cryogenic rocket engine failures in China and Russia," he said.
Referring to the Thursday's incident, he said the main cryogenic engine ignited which indicated that its performance was satisfactory up to that point. However, the problem started when its vernier thrusters failed to ignite resulting in a loss of controllability. These thrusters provide altitude to the rocket. Since they developed a snag, the rocket began to deviate from its designated trajectory, he said.
"The immediate implication of this failure would be that our programme to launch heavier communication satellites using an indigenous cryogenic engine will be somewhat delayed," Naik said.
During the pre-launch tests, he said, the rocket and satellite are subjected to different types of tough tests. "We do our best to simulate the space environment, but at the end there is always an element of uncertainty because space is a hostile environment," he stated.
Moon Society, Indian chapter, secretary Pradeep Mohandas said it was unfortunate that the mission failed but in any maiden space flight this is something common. The society is recognized by US Moon Society. Space scientist Mayank Vahia of TIFR said: "Isro with its excellent track record will soon bounce back. There are no issues."
Launch failures common: Experts - India - The Times of India
MUMBAI: "Failures are quite common in space flights and are considered more as learning experiences," said National Space Society, Indian chapter, chief Suresh Naik, while referring to Thursday's failure of GSLV mission powered for the first time by an indigenous cryogenic engine. NSS is affiliated to the main American body.
Naik, a former Isro employee, told TOI from Pune years ago even the first rocket flights in the US and Japan powered with cryogenic engines failed. "Though we feel disappointed, there is nothing to feel disheartened about. In space missions this is expected. We do not have the data about the cryogenic rocket engine failures in China and Russia," he said.
Referring to the Thursday's incident, he said the main cryogenic engine ignited which indicated that its performance was satisfactory up to that point. However, the problem started when its vernier thrusters failed to ignite resulting in a loss of controllability. These thrusters provide altitude to the rocket. Since they developed a snag, the rocket began to deviate from its designated trajectory, he said.
"The immediate implication of this failure would be that our programme to launch heavier communication satellites using an indigenous cryogenic engine will be somewhat delayed," Naik said.
During the pre-launch tests, he said, the rocket and satellite are subjected to different types of tough tests. "We do our best to simulate the space environment, but at the end there is always an element of uncertainty because space is a hostile environment," he stated.
Moon Society, Indian chapter, secretary Pradeep Mohandas said it was unfortunate that the mission failed but in any maiden space flight this is something common. The society is recognized by US Moon Society. Space scientist Mayank Vahia of TIFR said: "Isro with its excellent track record will soon bounce back. There are no issues."
Launch failures common: Experts - India - The Times of India
