RISAT 1B launch failure amidst Kashmir dilemma; ISRO announces investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The launch of the RISAT 1B satellite, designed exclusively to monitor eastern and western borders of Kashmir, faltered in a rare ISRO letdown.

The launch was carried out at 5.59 am on Sunday from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Rocket Center in Sriharikota using the C61 rocket, the XL version of the PSLV.

The error in the third phase resulted in the mission going dud, confirmed ISRO. A new launch will be conducted after studying and resolving the reasons. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan has ordered an investigation into the launch failure.

The mission failed due to a difference in pressure between the third-stage chamber and the motor. The initial hypothesis is that this was caused by a small defect in the nozzle in this chamber. The leak in the nozzle reduced the pressure needed to ignite the fuel. It is this pressure that gives the rocket the momentum to move forward.

The launch was scheduled in a hurry minding the escalating tensions in the border. The rocket and satellite were prepared for launch by completing routine checks quickly. The government is taking the failure of the satellite launch for Kashmir seriously. There will be a thorough investigation.