GSLV-F06 launch fails

The launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV-F06, from Sriharikota ended in failure onDecember 25, with the rocket bursting to a ball of fire as it ascended into the sky.

After a smooth 30-hour countdown, the GSLV-F06 lifted off from its launch pad at 4 p.m.. It ascended into the sky majestically, giving no hint of the disaster that awaited the rocket. As it was climbing into the sky, the rocket lost it trajectory and exploded into a ball of fire. Soon after, the sky was filled with white, reddish-orange and dark-grey smoke.

Flaming debris from the rocket came down in a shower over the Bay of Bengal. It is not known whether the range safety officer in the mission control centre pressed the ‘destructive’ button to destroy the rocket, as it was wearing off its path.

Telemetry data has to be analysed to know the exact failure of the launch, an ISRO official said.

The rocket GSLV-F06 was to have put into orbit communication satellite GSAT-5P.

The previous GSLV flight flown in April 2010 also ended in failure.