The enemy within! Top ISRO scientist suspected to be behind PSLV rocket failure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per indications, a non-Malayalee senior official in the Indian Space Research Organisation is behind the repeated failures of the most reliable and efficient PSLV rocket. The central government is investigating whether it is financial interest or sabotage. It was after the news emerged that the central government denied launch permission to ISRO.

The fact-finding committee found the reasons for the PSLV C-61 launch failure on May 18 last year. It also made recommendations to resolve it. However, it is known that this scientist, who is from the neighbouring state of Kerala, revised the recommendations of the committee. With this, the mission conducted in January this year also failed.

With the entry of private companies into the space sector, large industrial groups are entering this domain. Many companies have made huge strides in the launch and construction sectors and are backed by foreign investors. Private investors have raised $871 million (Rs. 8281.63 crore) in the last few months.

Experts who resigned en masse from ISRO have joined such companies. With this, these private companies have been able to acquire important information and facilities developed by the country. The centre is also examining the possible role of any foreign powers behind the attempt to weaken ISRO.

1 This year, three Cartosat series satellites, GSAT-1A and the Gaganyaan test launch were scheduled

2 Gaganyaan test and EOS-05 were rescheduled for next month. Gaganyaan schedule was withdrawn due to lack of central approval

3 Seven rockets are ready for assembly in Sriharikota.

4 The requirement of central government approval for launches was introduced last year

5 Before that, ISRO used to fix the launch date and forward the information to the centre